Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds has signed legislation that creates new labeling requirements for meat and egg alternatives.
Starting July 1st, any plant-based, lab grown or insect-based protein product sold in Iowa stores will have to be clearly labeled as something other than meat or eggs.
Reynolds signed the bill before a large crowd gathered on a farm near Ladora where hogs and cattle are raised. Senator Dawn Driscoll, a Republican from Williamsburg who raises cattle, calls it a “meat integrity” law.
The law directs state officials to seek a waiver to prevent Iowans from using federal food assistance to buy immitation egg products. It also prohibits school districts, community colleges and the three state universities from buying lab-grown meat and any misbranded protein. Representative Heather Hora (HOR-uh), a Republican from Washington, is a pork producer.
Reynolds signed a second bill into law during her farm stop. It extends a capital gains tax break on state income taxes for the sale of livestock used for breeding, like bulls, boars and rams.
Only Iowans who own livestock and get at least half of their annual income from farming will be able to claim the tax break.
