Real Beef Triumphs: Lab-Grown Protein Off Military Menus

July 24, 2024

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will not pursue lab-grown protein projects for human consumption in the military, effectively preventing ultra-processed, lab-grown proteins from entering the diet of American armed forces.

“NCBA was the first and only cattle group to identify and oppose this DoD funding stream for lab-grown protein projects,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “After weeks of advocacy, we are thrilled to confirm that lab-grown protein is off the menu for our servicemembers, who deserve high-quality, nutritious, and wholesome food like real beef from American farmers and ranchers.”

The NCBA collaborated with agricultural allies in Congress to introduce amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations bill, National Defense Authorization Act, and Agriculture Appropriations bill to prevent lab-grown protein from being served to American servicemembers. Key supporters included Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE).

“While the Department of Defense explores new technologies for defense applications, there’s a clear distinction between industrial uses and the food we consume,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes. “American farmers and ranchers can meet the military’s high-quality protein needs. We appreciate the DoD's responsiveness and thank our congressional allies for ensuring that only wholesome and unprocessed products are served to our servicemembers.”

Source: Western Ag Network, NCBA