DeSantis backs legislation to ban lab-grown meat in Florida: ‘You need meat’
BOWLING GREEN, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a press conference Friday that he opposes the promulgation of lab-grown meat in Florida.
Discussing his opposition to implanting an environmental agenda on farmers, the governor noted that lawmakers are working through legislation to ban lab-grown meat production.
“You need meat. OK?” the governor said. “We’re gonna have meat in Florida.”
“We’re gonna have fake meat? That doesn’t work,” he said. “We’re gonna make sure to do it right.”
Rep. Tyler Sirois, R-Merritt Island, is the sponsor for HB 435. The legislation has so far passed one subcommittee in the House and has two more to go.
Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, is the sponsor for SB 586. That bill has not been taken up by any of its committee assignments yet.
A bill by Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, SB 1084, also would crack down on lab-grown meat, with other provisions included. It has passed one of its three committee assignments so far.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has been working with lawmakers to push that provision, along with farmer tax breaks and other measures.
Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Riverview, is the sponsor for the companion bill, HB 1071. That bill has passed one of its three committees.
