Cultivated Meat Faces Increasing Opposition from U.S. Lawmakers Amid Expansion Efforts

Cultivated meat—grown from animal cells in bioreactors—has been hailed as a more sustainable and ethical solution to meet growing global meat demand. However, it is facing growing resistance in several U.S. states.

Florida and Alabama have already banned the sale of cultivated meat this year, while Iowa placed restrictions on its labeling and sale. States like Nebraska and Illinois are considering similar measures, citing concerns from traditional livestock producers.

Josh Tetrick, CEO and co-founder of GOOD Meat, a leading cultivated meat company, believes that opposition is largely political. Tetrick suggests that, despite the bans, consumer demand will eventually shape the market, with politicians adjusting accordingly.

However, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, who comes from a large livestock farming family, views cultivated meat as a direct threat to agriculture, calling for tighter restrictions to protect traditional meat producers.

Cultivated meat is still far from widespread availability, with companies like GOOD Meat and Upside Foods only selling their products in select restaurants and specialty shops.

To reach a mass market, the industry needs to scale up production dramatically. Currently, small portions of cultivated chicken are mixed with plant-based ingredients to reduce costs, but large-scale bioreactors required for significant production remain expensive.

Proponents argue that cultivated meat uses fewer natural resources—up to 95% less land and 78% less water than conventional livestock farming—and eliminates the need for animal slaughter.

However, traditional meat producers, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, are pushing for strict labeling laws to ensure consumers know they’re buying “imitation” meat.

As the debate unfolds, cultivated meat may offer an alternative for those seeking to reduce their environmental impact, but it remains a contentious issue in states that rely heavily on traditional agriculture.

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