Cultivated meat faces rising opposition in Illinois and beyond

By Andi Anderson

Cultivated meat—meat produced from animal cells rather than traditional livestock—is sparking debate across the Midwest, including in Illinois.

While this lab-grown meat is praised for its smaller environmental footprint, some lawmakers and farmers are challenging its expansion due to perceived threats to traditional agriculture.

In 2023, two companies, GOOD Meat and Upside Foods, gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval to sell cultivated chicken.

Illinois, however, is moving toward restricting this new type of food. State Representative Chris Miller, a cattle farmer, has introduced a bill to ban cultivated meat, based on similar restrictions in Florida. Miller believes cultivated meat shouldn’t receive tax breaks when it competes directly with traditional farming practices.

Miller’s concerns reflect those of Illinois’s agriculture community, where many feel cultivated meat challenges the hard work of livestock producers.

He contends that taxpayer-funded incentives for lab-grown meat facilities unfairly disadvantage cattle and poultry farmers who maintain the supply of conventional protein in the state.

GOOD Meat CEO Josh Tetrick, however, argues that banning cultivated meat is more of a political stance than a genuine consumer concern.

According to Tetrick, if cultivated meat becomes something people want to buy, states might need to reconsider their stance, as they have done with other food innovations over time.

Cultivated meat is created by growing cells in steel tanks called bioreactors, where they are nourished with vitamins and nutrients.

Although the industry has developed since its beginnings in the 1990s, scaling production to meet demand remains a challenge. Proponents hope that eventually, cultivated meat can be produced at a competitive price to meet global demand.

While states like Nebraska support total bans, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has opted to support clear labeling instead, allowing consumers to decide. They advocate for cultivated meat products to be labeled as “imitation” to ensure transparency in grocery stores.

As Illinois considers its position, the debate continues over the role of cultivated meat and its potential impact on local agriculture and consumer choice.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-luoman