Florida governor signs bill banning cultivated meat production and sale
USA – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently signed a bill to prohibit the sale and production of cultivated meat within the state.
This decision, announced during a news conference, garnered attention as DeSantis humorously jabbed at the World Economic Forum, who had previously advised people to embrace cultivated meat.
Standing behind a banner reading ‘Save Our Beef’, a play on the World Economic Forum’s logo, DeSantis highlighted the state’s commitment to safeguarding its meat production sector.
During the press event held in Hardee County and attended by cattle ranchers, DeSantis emphasized the importance of protecting Florida’s robust cattle industry.
He underscored concerns about potential threats posed by an ideological agenda that aims to vilify traditional agricultural practices, particularly cattle farming, as detrimental to the environment.
This move comes despite global discussions on the necessity of alternative proteins to address the challenges posed by a growing population and climate change.
The newly signed bill, known as SB 1084, categorizes the production, transportation, commercialization, and sale of cultivated meat as second-degree misdemeanors – businesses found violating the ban risk losing their licenses and facing immediate stop-sale orders, reflecting Florida’s staunch stance against this emerging industry.
Introduced by Republican State Representative Jay Collins in the Senate, SB 1084 garnered widespread support in both chambers of the Florida government.
Lawmakers cited various concerns and emphasized the need for comprehensive studies before considering the legalization of cultivated meat within the state.
The bill progressed through the legislative process, with the Senate voting 29-10 in favor and the House voting 86-27 to pass it.
DeSantis’s signature was widely anticipated, given the bill’s significant backing and alignment with the state’s agricultural interests.
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