Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has targeted a new industry. 

You might be familiar with DeSantis and his policies through his appointed board that oversees Disney World and the surrounding areas: the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board. Now, though, DeSantis is targeting a new industry outside of the theme parks: food.  

DeSantis said in a press release that the law represented Florida “… 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… Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers, and we will save our beef.”

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson echoed DeSantis, saying in the same press release that “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.” 

Good Meat – who, according to their website, are “the first company in the world to sell cultivated meat” – spoke about their disappointment with the legislation on their X account. 

We’re not going anywhere. pic.twitter.com/gmVdalxx4S

— GOOD Meat (@GOODMeat) May 1, 2024

They wrote in part, “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 went on “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.”

It remains to be seen if this Governor DeSantis edict will stand up to legal challenges. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on this hot button issue. 

The post NEWS: Governor Ron DeSantis BANS Lab-Grown Meat in Florida first appeared on the disney food blog.