Governor Jim Pillen, alongside the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, announced new regulations targeting “lab-grown meat” or “fake meat” on Thursday, with plans to introduce legislation in 2025 to ban the sale of such products in the state. As part of these measures, Pillen signed an executive order prohibiting state agencies from purchasing lab-grown or alternative meat products and requiring state contractors to avoid favoring these products over natural meat.
Pillen emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps, noting that Nebraska won’t wait until lab-grown meat reaches grocery stores before acting. Nebraska Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton revealed that new labeling regulations will be introduced to ensure that lab-grown meat is clearly distinguished from natural meat, aiming to protect consumers from being misled.
The governor’s family owns a significant hog operation in Nebraska, and the livestock industry contributes over $6 billion annually to the state’s economy. Pillen reiterated his commitment to safeguarding this sector, promising to push for legislation that would solidify Nebraska’s stance against lab-grown meat.
At a press conference in West Point, livestock producer and legislative candidate Jeanne Reigle expressed concerns about the impact of lab-grown meat on traditional agriculture, warning that government subsidies could turn it from a niche market into a mass market, threatening the livelihoods of farmers.
Pillen also directed criticism at figures like Bill Gates, who have advocated for alternative meats, dismissing their efforts as misguided. The executive order, signed by Secretary of State Bob Evnen, took immediate effect, marking the start of what Pillen described as a “full-blown attack” on lab-grown meat in Nebraska.
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