Nebraska Governor and NDA Discuss Lab-Grown Meat Product Sales

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has unveiled three initiatives aimed at safeguarding the state’s agriculture sector and educating consumers about lab-grown meat products. Speaking to a group of producers at Oak Barn Beef in West Point on August 30, the governor signed an executive order establishing stringent guidelines for state agencies and contractors regarding the procurement of lab-grown meat. Nebraska Governor and NDA discuss lab-grown meat product sales.

“Nebraska farmers and ranchers, like those here today, are dedicated to producing the finest food products anywhere,” said Pillen. “We feed the world and protect the planet more effectively and efficiently than anyone else, and I will defend those practices with my last breath.”

In addition, the governor has instructed the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) to initiate a rule-making process to ensure that any lab-grown meat products sold in stores are clearly labeled and not displayed alongside natural meat. “Nebraska consumers want to know, and deserve to know, that what they are purchasing is safe, wholesome meat and not a lab-grown product,” stated NDA Director Sherry Vinton. A public hearing on these draft regulations is set for October 8.

Hannah Klitz, who co-owns Oak Barn Beef with her husband Eric, emphasized the importance of educating consumers about the origins of their food. “As fifth-generation cattle producers with customers across Nebraska and in 49 other states, transparency is essential to us,” she remarked. “Shoppers want assurance that they are getting the best, naturally raised products available. That transparency is vital for maintaining our reputation and meeting consumer expectations.”

Cattle producer Jeanne Reigle highlighted the commitment of Nebraska’s farm families to high standards in livestock treatment. “Nebraska ranchers employ best practices in raising their animals. Our goal is to provide top-quality products that are preferred by consumers both locally and globally,” she noted. “We must support agriculture, our state’s leading economic driver. The uncertainties surrounding lab-grown meat require closer examination, and now is the time to implement guardrails so that consumers know exactly what they are buying and consuming.” Nebraska Governor and NDA discuss lab-grown meat product sales, reinforcing the need for transparency and regulation.

Alongside the executive order and the drafting of new regulations, Pillen announced plans to collaborate with senators during the upcoming legislative session to draft a bill banning lab-grown meat in Nebraska. This year, Iowa became the third state in the U.S. to enact legislation regulating the sale of lab-grown meat, while Florida and Alabama have moved to impose outright bans on such products.