Blumenthal responds, but doesn’t support increased funding for cultivated-meat research

I was pleased to receive an email from Senator Blumenthal tonight. I will attach a screenshot of the message to the end of this post. Unfortunately, he did not say he would support increased funding for cultivated-meat research, so my protests will continue:

“Dear Mr. Hochschartner,

     Thank you for your advocacy and message regarding cultivated meat. I appreciate hearing from you.

     As our planet, families, and communities endure the damaging effects of climate change, it is the duty of Congress to take urgent, commonsense steps toward reducing harmful emissions that pollute our environment. Alternative proteins, such as cultivated meat, offer an opportunity to simultaneously tackle our greenhouse gas emissions and rethink our unsustainable agricultural practices. 

     I have highlighted this issue in a letter to former Secretary John Kerry in his role as Special Presidential Envoy for the Climate ahead of the 2021 Leaders’ Climate Summit. However, as we explore this new opportunity, we must also ensure these products are safe and accurately labelled for consumers. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are responsible for oversight of this emerging industry. We must provide USDA and FDA with the resources they need to ensure there are strong safeguards in place to protect consumers. 

     Industrial animal agriculture is a key driver of climate change and addressing the impact of agricultural-based emissions is a critical part of mitigating our current climate crisis. I am an original cosponsor of S.1337, the Agriculture Resilience Act of 2021 which provides a framework for achieving net-zero emissions from the agriculture sector by 2040 and provides farmers with the tools and resources necessary for more sustainable agriculture. Specifically, this bill increases funding for research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s regional climate hubs, improved soil health, protection of existing farmland, boosting investments in on-farm energy initiatives, and reducing food waste.

     All of us have an interest in ensuring the food we eat is safe while reducing food production’s impact on climate change. I will fight to ensure all food products have accurate and reliable labeling to protect public health and safety. I will also continue to push for legislation that protects our food, climate, and the welfare of animals. 

     Thank you again for your message. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any future questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Richard Blumenthal
United States Senate”