Governor Ron Desantis Signs Bill To Ban Lab-Grown Meat in Florida

HARDEE COUNTY, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084, which prohibits the sale of lab-grown meat in Florida. This move counters the World Economic Forum’s initiative to promote lab-grown meat and insects as alternative protein sources. While the World Economic Forum advocates reducing traditional meat consumption, Florida is committed to boosting meat production and encouraging residents to continue enjoying 100% real Florida beef.

“Florida is taking a stand against the global elite’s plan to replace traditional meat with lab-grown alternatives or insects to further their authoritarian goals,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our administration is dedicated to supporting local farmers and ranchers, ensuring the preservation of our beef industry.”

“By signing this first-in-the-nation legislation banning lab-grown meat, Florida is making a significant move to protect our farmers and the integrity of American agriculture. Lab-grown meat threatens our proud traditions and prosperity, directly opposing authentic agriculture,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I commend Governor DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, House Speaker Paul Renner, Senator Jay Collins, and Representative Danny Alvarez for their unwavering support of Florida’s farmers and consumers. Together, we will ensure Florida’s agricultural industry remains robust and thriving.”

In opposition to the World Economic Forum and similar entities, Florida has taken several measures to bolster the state’s agriculture and meat industry:

  • Modernizing Florida’s Right to Farm Act to protect legitimate agricultural activities from frivolous lawsuits.
  • Enacting legislation to ensure agri-tourism operators qualify for property tax assessment protection when operating on agricultural lands.
  • Simplifying the process for Florida farmers to receive sales tax exemptions for agricultural materials.
  • Reestablishing funding for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program in 2022 at $300 million, protecting over 36,000 acres of farmland.
  • Investing more than $2.8 billion into Florida’s agricultural industry through The Framework for Freedom Budget.

Additionally, to promote growth in one of Florida’s leading agricultural counties, Governor DeSantis awarded $6 million to Hardee County through the Job Growth Grant Fund. This award will help develop an industrial site and construct a 40,000-square-foot warehouse to attract new companies and provide additional space for existing businesses. This investment is estimated to create nearly 200 jobs and attract high-demand, high-wage jobs to Hardee County. Since 2019, Florida has invested over $195 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund to strengthen infrastructure and workforce training programs, creating opportunities for Floridians.

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