Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently approved a bill prohibiting the sale of lab-grown meat in the state, a move widely seen as supportive of Florida’s cattle industry. The state’s agriculture commissioner framed the legislation as safeguarding local farmers and American agriculture’s integrity. However, DeSantis’ rhetoric indicates that the ban on lab-grown meat is more than just an agricultural issue; it’s become entangled in the culture wars.
In his statement upon signing the bill, DeSantis portrayed Florida’s action as a defence against what he termed the “global elite’s” agenda to promote lab-grown meat and insect consumption, linking it to authoritarian objectives. This rhetoric echoes a fringe conspiracy theory popular among certain segments of the political right.
In reality, lab-grown meat, also known as cultivated meat, is not widely available to consumers yet. The Food and Drug Administration has only approved lab-grown meat from two companies, neither of which distribute their products to retail stores. While a couple of restaurants briefly offered lab-grown meat, they have since discontinued it. Thus, the ban in Florida doesn’t address an existing market; rather, it seems preemptive in nature.
However, beyond its practical implications, the ban serves as a symbolic gesture, appealing to a specific segment of DeSantis’ support base that subscribes to the “Great Reset” conspiracy theory. This theory, originating in 2020, suggests that globalists aim to use crises like the pandemic to advance agendas such as promoting insect protein consumption and communal living. Though unrelated to Florida’s lab-grown meat ban, DeSantis leverages this narrative to resonate with certain voters.
In essence, Florida’s prohibition on lab-grown meat isn’t about addressing insect protein or the World Economic Forum’s initiatives; it’s about signalling alignment with certain ideological factions within the electorate.
