Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is adding another contentious issue to his legislative agenda by supporting a ban on lab-grown meat in the state.

During a recent press conference, DeSantis emphasized the importance of traditional meat products, stating, “You need meat, OK? We’re going to have meat in Florida.”

This move aligns with House Bill 435 and Senate Bills 586 and 1084, which seek to prohibit the manufacture and sale of lab-grown meat, also known as “cultivated meat.”

While proponents argue that such measures protect the state’s cattle industry, critics question the necessity of legislation targeting a product not yet widely available in the U.S.