'Fighting Back Against The Global Elite's Plan': Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs First-In-The-Nation Ban On Lab-Grown Meat

On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), once again proving his fearless leadership as America's best governor, signed a first-in-the-nation law to ban lab grown meat in Florida. The new law comes as lab grown meat has become an increasingly popular alternative for some Americans with notable brands like Beyond Burger being available at Burger King and in grocery stores.

The legislation forbids the sale, distribution, and production of lab-grown meat in the Sunshine State, with the governor explaining during the bill signing that the products are pushed by "elites" to displace local farmers. "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," the Florida governor said in a press release. "Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers, and we will save our beef."

"One of the things that these folks want to do is they want to eliminate meat production in the United States — actually throughout the world," DeSantis added. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson (R-FL) praised the Florida legislature for taking action on the issue, stating, "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."

DeSantis' move gained some bipartisan support, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) writing on X, "Pains me deeply to agree with Crash-and-Burn Ron, but I co-sign this. As a member of [Senate Agriculture Committee Democrats] and as some dude who would never serve that slop to my kids, I stand with our American ranchers and farmers."

The new law has sparked a range of reactions, including some backlash from top companies in the lab-grown meat industry. Good Meat, one of these companies, expressed its disappointment in the governor's action. "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," the company said in a social media post, per The Hill. "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."

You can follow Sterling on X/Twitter here.