By Scout Nelson
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has issued an executive order that places various limitations on lab-grown meat products in the state, in a daring step against the growing cultivated meat business.
Pillen expressed his vehement objection to produced meat during an event at the family-run West Point meat shop Oak Barn Beef. The director of the state's agricultural department was also present, along with the owner of the business and a livestock farmer who was running for office.
“We’re being proactive and making sure that silly things aren’t happening, because they are happening on the coasts,” Pillen stated, referring to recent developments where restaurants on both U.S. coasts began serving cultivated meat following approvals from the USDA and FDA.
Pillen emphasized his commitment to protecting traditional animal agriculture from what he called “extraordinary, crazy views” about alternative ways to feed the planet.
He also took a swipe at Bill Gates, who has invested heavily in alternative protein companies, stating, “He needs to stay in the computer space and knock this stuff off thinking that he’s going to promote lab-grown meat. He’s lost his brains.”
The governor’s stance is clear: “If there are Nebraskans that want to buy lab-grown meat, it is good for them. They’re just not going to do it in Nebraska,” he declared.
Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen signed the executive order, making it effective immediately. Pillen has also announced his intention to pursue a full ban on cultivated meat products during the next legislative session in 2025, further solidifying Nebraska’s position against lab-grown meat.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-luoman
Categories: Nebraska, General, Government & Policy, Livestock, Beef Cattle