Florida Gov Ron DeSantis has banned lab-grown meat in his state - less than two months after billionaire Jeff Bezos invested millions into the food's production.

DeSantis effectively prohibited the sale of lab-grown meat - which is a vegan and vegetarian alternative to animal products - on May 1 in an effort to stop the World Economic Forum's goal to reduce meat consumption. 

The move comes right after Amazon boss and his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez announced an initial $60 million funding to set up the Bezos Centers for Sustainable Protein - described as an effort to 'reduce cost, increase quality and boost nutritional benefit of alternative proteins' on March 12. 

The pair had also bought their third mansion worth $90 million on Florida's exclusive Indian Creek Island earlier last month and become the latest billionaires to set up a residence in the Red State. 

Florida Gov Ron DeSantis has effectively prohibited the sale of lab-grown meat on May 1 in an effort to stop the World Economic Forum's goal to reduce meat consumption

The move comes right after Amazon boss, Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez announced an initial $60 million funding to set up the Bezos Centers for Sustainable Protein

The World Economic Forum, a globalist group in Switzerland, touts lab-grown meat as an efficient and environmentally-friendly way to produce food, and feed a rapidly growing global population

In an official announcement, Sanchez wrote: 'We need to feed 10 billion people with healthy, sustainable food throughout this century while protecting our planet. We can do it, and it will require a ton of innovation. 

'Our world is poised for transformation, for a future not constrained by compromise. Solutions to our greatest challenges often come from the quiet persistence of those willing to question, reimagine and innovate.'

The project intends to reduce methane from livestock and develop modern techniques in pasture management to help take pressure off forested land. 

But the duo's supposedly well-meaning effort may be facing its biggest challenge yet. 

The Republican governors' bill has stated that about $2.8 billion will be allotted to the state's agricultural industry to encourage residents to ' consume and enjoy 100 percent real Florida beef'. 

DeSantis said: 'Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals. 

'Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers and we will save our beef.'

Neighboring the extravagant mansions owned by real estate developer Jeff Soffer and NFL legend Tom Brady , Bezos' new home spans a spacious 12,135 square feet

 The controversial leader said: 'Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals'

The Republican governors' bill has stated that about $2.8 billion will be allotted to the state's agricultural industry to encourage residents to ' consume and enjoy 100 percent real Florida beef'

Bezos has recently splurged $90 million on a third mansion on Florida 's exclusive Indian Creek Island, bringing his total investment in the area, known as the 'Billionaire Bunker,' to $237 million

The couple's project intends to reduce methane from livestock and develop modern techniques in pasture management to help take pressure off forested land 

Advocates of lab-grown meat say it's lean, safe, nutritious, and doesn't hurt the planet 

Our survey revealed great resistance to a product that Republicans say will hurt ranchers and farmers   

Even Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman came out in support of the law.

It 'pains me deeply' to agree with Mr DeSantis, he posted on X, 'but I co-sign this.'

Good Meat, a cultivated meat company which says it is the first in the world to sell lab-grown meat, says it was 'disappointed' by the Florida law.

'In a state that purportedly prides itself on being a land of freedom and individual liberty, its government is now telling consumers what meat they can or cannot purchase,' the company said.

Lab-grown meat companies are struggling to offer their beef steaks and chicken breasts at a more affordable price.

But the firms are optimistic that meat grown in massive steel vats will soon be widely available in restaurants and supermarkets.

Similar efforts are under way in Alabama, Arizona, and Tennessee.

Lab-grown or 'cultivated' meat was first cleared for consumption in the US in 2022.

Their product is derived from a small sample of cells collected from livestock, which is then fed nutrients, and grown in enormous steel vessels called bioreactors.

It is then processed into something that looks and tastes like a real cut of meat.

Advocates say the products are packed with protein and cause less emissions of planet-heating gases than regular farming.

The World Economic Forum, a globalist group in Switzerland, touts lab-grown meat as an efficient and environmentally-friendly way to produce food, and feed a rapidly growing global population.

It also promotes insect farming as a 'credible and alternative protein source.'

Lobbyists for edible insects have launched a campaign asking the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to add mealworms, crickets protein powder and other insect products to the agency's database of safe ingredients.

Republicans say the new foods will hurt ranchers, farmers, and meat-packers.