Julia Martin, Cellular Agriculture Lead at ProVeg International, has today responded to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of a bill to prohibit the sale of cultivated meat in the state.
“Florida’s move to ban cultivated meat to protect farmers is illogical, as well as likely an unwise use of a vulnerable sector which will only favor the interests of the intensive livestock industry.
“Currently, one fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions comes from animal agriculture so we need to change the way we produce meat to reduce the emissions that are driving climate change.
“Climate change presents a severe threat to our way of life and our food supply and livestock farming is responsible for 32% of global emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Intensive cattle farming is also responsible for vast swathes of deforestation for the production of cattle feed and the creation of grazing land, as well as large amounts of water usage and pollution.
“Cultivated meat is one of a number of approaches, along with a shift to more plant-based diets, which should be supported in order to ensure the food system is fit for the future. We have a lot to learn from how sustainability measures have been pushed onto farmers in Europe without their substantial involvement. So farmers must have a central place in the adaptation of our food systems that are inclusive of cellular agriculture, rather than being used as an excuse, misinformed, or isolated.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
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About ProVeg International
ProVeg International is a food awareness organization with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
