Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning laboratory-grown meat on Wednesday to "save our beef."
In a press release about the legislation, SB 1084, DeSantis' office said Florida "is increasing meat production, and encouraging residents to continue to consume and enjoy 100% real Florida beef."
The legislation makes it unlawful for anyone in Florida to “manufacture for sale, sell, hold or offer for sale, or distribute” lab-grown meat.
“Today, Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers, and we will save our beef.”
The governor's office said it was limiting residents' food options to stand against the “World Economic Forum’s goal of forcing the world to eat lab-grown meat and insects, 'an overlooked source of protein.'”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said of the bill, "Florida is taking a tremendous step in the right direction by signing first-in-the-nation legislation banning lab-grown meat. We must protect our incredible farmers and the integrity of American agriculture. Lab-grown meat is a disgraceful attempt to undermine our proud traditions and prosperity and is in direct opposition to authentic agriculture,"
“I applaud Governor DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, House Speaker Paul Renner, Senator Jay Collins, and Representative Danny Alvarez for standing up for Florida’s farmers and consumers,” Simpson continued. “Together, we will keep Florida’s agricultural industry strong and thriving.”
GOOD Meat, the first company to offer lab-grown meat, blasted DeSantis for the decision in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“Today, we are disappointed that Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law the criminalization of cultivated meat in Florida,” the company began. “In a state that purportedly prides itself on being a land of freedom and individual liberty, its government is now telling consumers what meat they can or cannot purchase.” We’re not going anywhere. pic.twitter.com/gmVdalxx4S
— GOOD Meat (@GOODMeat) May 1, 2024
The post continued, “The law is a setback for everyone: Floridians who deserve the right to eat whatever safe and approved meat they want; Florida's technology sector, innovators and entrepreneurs; and all those working to stop the worst impacts of climate change.”
