Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Bans Sale of Lab-Grown Meat, Calls It Conspiracy by Global Elites

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation prohibiting the sale and distribution of cultivated or lab-grown meat in the state. The governor framed this move as a way to protect Florida's agriculture industry and counter what he called a conspiracy by global elites to fight climate change.

The new law, known as Senate Bill 1084, prohibits the manufacture, sale, holding, or distribution of cultivated meat in Florida. It makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to sell or manufacture lab-grown meat, with penalties of up to 60 days in jail for violators. The legislation also prevents local governments from regulating electric vehicle charging stations, placing oversight under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

During the bill signing event, DeSantis accused "elites", particularly the World Economic Forum, of wanting to "eliminate meat production in the United States" and "imposing restrictions on freedoms for everyday people while these elites are effectively pulling the strings." He claimed the organization's emphasis on promoting cultivated meat is not due to market competition, but rather an attempt to impose restrictions on freedoms for everyday people while the elites continue their own practices.

Why this matters: The ban on lab-grown meat in Florida represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over alternative protein sources and their potential impact on traditional agriculture. As the initial U.S. state to enact such a ban, Florida's move could influence policy decisions in other states and shape the future of the cultivated meat industry.

Supporters of the bill, including the Florida Cattlemen's Association, argue that the ban is necessary to protect the state's cattle industry against an "ideological agenda" and to ensure the integrity of American agriculture. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson called lab-grown meat a "disgraceful attempt to undermine our proud traditions and prosperity, and is in direct opposition to authentic agriculture."

However, critics of the ban contend that it will halt innovation, create barriers for the free market, and send a negative message to investors, scientists, and entrepreneurs in the alternative protein sector. They argue that the ban is a protectionist measure aimed at helping the "Big Ag" industry avoid accountability and competition.

Currently, only two restaurants in the United States sell lab-grown meat, and neither of them operate in Florida. The federal government has only licensed two companies to sell cultivated meat so far. Proponents of lab-grown meat tout it as free of disease-causing bacteria, low in cholesterol and fat, and environmentally friendly. However, a 2023 study suggests it may actually be worse for the climate due to the energy-intensive cultivation process.

In addition to the lab-grown meat ban, DeSantis also announced a $6 million grant to Hardee County for developing an industrial site through the Job Growth Grant Fund. The project is expected to create nearly 200 jobs and attract additional high-demand, high-wage jobs to the area. Since 2019, the state has invested over $195 million to strengthen infrastructure and workforce training programs in Florida.

Key Takeaways

• Florida bans sale and distribution of lab-grown meat, citing WEF agenda and protecting agriculture.
• New law makes selling/manufacturing lab-grown meat a misdemeanor with up to 60 days in jail.
• Supporters argue ban protects cattle industry, while critics say it halts innovation and competition.
• Florida is the first U.S. state to enact such a ban, which could influence other states' policies.
• DeSantis also announced $6M grant to create 200 jobs in Hardee County industrial site development.