State Senator Jason T. Dickerson of Canton has introduced Senate Bill 415, legislation aimed at banning the production, distribution, and sale of lab-grown meat in Georgia. Lab-grown meat, also known as cultured or cell-based meat, is produced by harvesting animal cells and growing them in a controlled environment rather than raising livestock.

Sen. Dickerson says the bill is designed to protect Georgia’s agricultural industry, which he describes as the backbone of the state’s economy. Drawing on his own experience growing up on a cattle farm, Dickerson said lab-grown meat threatens traditional farming by diverting business away from farmers and raising concerns about long-term safety. He added that SB 415 would reinforce Georgia’s established agricultural practices while upholding public health standards and supporting what he called “real products by real farmers.”

Dickerson also voiced concerns about consumer safety, arguing that lab-grown meat has not been thoroughly researched. He said Georgians should not be exposed to untested food alternatives and emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in the food supply, especially when it comes to products sold in grocery stores and restaurants.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the sale of lab-grown meat to the public in 2023. Since then, seven states have enacted laws banning the product, including neighboring Alabama and Florida, while other states have adopted stricter labeling requirements to increase transparency for consumers.