By Scout Nelson
In a significant legislative move, South Dakota's Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee has voted to advance two key bills aimed at restricting the sale and production of lab-grown meat within the state. The bills, if passed into law, will place South Dakota alongside states like Florida and Alabama, which have already imposed similar restrictions.
The first bill, House Bill 1109, seeks to prohibit the sale and production of cell-cultured meat products entirely. This decision comes just as federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration have begun approving such products. The bill was narrowly passed with a vote of 4-3 and includes a clause that will sunset the ban in 2035 unless renewed.
House Bill 1118, also passing the committee stage, aims to prevent any state funds from being used to research or promote lab-grown meat technologies. This bill aligns with concerns about investing state resources in what is seen as controversial and emerging food technology.
During the committee discussions, proponents of the bills argued the importance of taking a stand before lab-grown meat becomes more prevalent. “It’s not here already, so it’s a good time to make it illegal,” stated Rep. John Sjaarda. Meanwhile, opponents argued that such legislation might be seen as anti-competitive and could put South Dakota at odds with federal safety assessments.
Testimonies during the session highlighted the divided opinions on lab-grown meat. For instance, representatives from the South Dakota Retailers Association cautioned against dismissing federal safety determinations, while advocates like Tamar Lieberman from the Good Food Institute emphasized the potential of lab-grown meat to meet increasing global meat demands without the environmental footprint of traditional livestock farming.
The bills now proceed to the full Senate for debate. If approved, they will significantly shape the future of agricultural practices and food technology in South Dakota, reflecting broader national and global conversations about food innovation and sustainability.
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Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy