Governor Greg Gianforte has signed House Bill 401 into law, banning the manufacture, sale, and distribution of lab-grown meat in Montana. The legislation, aimed at safeguarding the state’s ranching industry, takes effect October 1, 2025, and positions Montana as a staunch defender of traditional agriculture.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell (R-Columbia Falls), prohibits “cell-cultured edible products,” defined as meat products, including muscle cells, fat cells, connective tissue, and blood, produced through cell culture rather than from a slaughtered animal. Violators, including retail food establishments, face severe penalties, including suspension of their licenses, misdemeanor charges, fines, and potential imprisonment.
“If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a cut of Montana beef, you know there is no substitute,” Gov. Gianforte said at the signing ceremony. “By signing House Bill 401 into law, I am proud to defend our way of life and the hardworking Montana ranchers who produce the best beef in the world.”
Rep. Mitchell, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and a member of a family with over 80 years in Montana’s meat processing industry,
emphasized the bill’s role in protecting the state’s top industry. “Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, and this bill takes a clear stand to protect our ranchers and our food supply,” Mitchell said. “We won’t let synthetic products with misleading labels undercut the hard work of Montana’s farm and ranch families.”
The Montana Farm Bureau Federation lauded the legislation, with President Cyndi Johnson stating, “Montana ranchers grow some of the best meat in the world, and we are thrilled consumers in the Treasure State will continue to enjoy authentic meat. Thank you to the legislature and Governor Gianforte for supporting ranchers and consumers with this new law.”
The ban reflects Montana’s commitment to its agricultural heritage, ensuring that lab-grown alternatives do not compete with the state’s renowned beef industry. Starting in October, enforcement will focus on retail food establishments, signaling a robust defense of traditional meat production.