A debate is heating up in Nebraska over lab-grown meat, with state lawmakers, ranchers, and Governor Jim Pillen pushing to ban the cultivated protein products before they hit grocery store shelves. State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara has introduced Legislative Bill 246 on behalf of the governor, arguing that cultivated meat—grown from animal cells without slaughter—is a threat to Nebraska’s cattle industry. Pillen has been vocal on the issue, referring to the product as “petri dish meat” and making it a priority for 2025 legislation.
DeKay’s bill would not only ban cultivated meat in Nebraska but also establish labeling restrictions to prevent these products from being called meat. At a recent Agriculture Committee hearing, Nebraska ranchers backed the proposal, arguing that alternative proteins should not be marketed as beef. Rusty Kemp, a cattle farmer, compared the debate to the dairy industry, where plant-based alternatives are labeled separately from traditional dairy products. Wes Wilmot, another rancher, expressed skepticism about the safety and reliability of cultivated meat, questioning whether it could ever match Nebraska livestock’s role in feeding the population.
Not all agricultural leaders support an outright ban. Craig Uden, president-elect of Nebraska Cattlemen, said accurate labeling should be required but warned that banning cultivated meat would be an attack on food choice, similar to past efforts to reduce meat consumption. Uden also noted that Nebraska ranchers aren’t afraid of competition, believing consumers will continue to favor high-quality beef. State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, whose family owns a grocery business, echoed these concerns, arguing that shoppers—not lawmakers—should decide what protein products they want to buy.
Currently, lab-grown meat is not commercially available in Nebraska. However, California-based GOOD Meat has introduced cultivated chicken at select restaurants, with FDA and USDA approval granted for only two products so far. Supporters of cultivated meat, including economist Daniel Gertner from the Good Food Institute, argue that banning the technology would harm global food security as demand for protein outpaces traditional meat production. Gertner also disputed health concerns, emphasizing strict federal regulations governing lab-grown meat production.
Nebraska is not alone in this fight. Alabama and Florida have already banned cultivated meat, and several other states are considering similar laws. Additionally, State Sen. Bob Andersen of Omaha has introduced LB 658, which would restrict all alternative proteins—including insect- and plant-based products—from using meat-related terms such as “beef” or “steak” on labels. Andersen argues this is a “truth in advertising” measure to ensure shoppers aren’t misled into buying non-meat products.
As Nebraska lawmakers weigh the future of cultivated meat in the state, the debate continues over food innovation, consumer choice, and the protection of traditional agriculture.
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