Gov. Rhoden Charts Compromise on Cell-Cultured Protein

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Charts Compromise on Cell-Cultured Protein

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden charted a compromise on the issue of cell-cultured protein. In pursuit of this compromise, the Governor VETOED House Bill 1077and advocated for an amended version of Senate Bill 124. Governor Rhoden outlined this path forward in a letter to the Legislature, which you can find here.

"While you won't catch me eating these products, it is against our values to ban products just because we don't like them. Fortunately, HB 1077 need not be the last word on this issue this Session," wrote Governor Rhoden before charting the compromise, bringing together ag groups, legislators, and stakeholders on both sides of the bill.

Governor Rhoden offered support for an amended version of SB 124 that would:

• Impose a five-year temporary moratorium to permit further study within the existing regulatory framework and allow the pending litigation in other states to further unfold;
• Respect constitutional limits and reduce the risk of unnecessary litigation; and
• Preserve South Dakota's long-standing commitment to our values.

"This approach respects constitutional limits, reduces the risk of unnecessary litigation, and preserves South Dakota's long-standing commitment to free markets and agricultural leadership," continued Governor Rhoden. "Government is best when it is limited. We should respect the freedoms of our people, and we should not set precedent that violates our own values."

The South Dakota Farm Bureau, the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, and South Dakota Retailers all sent letters of support for the Governor's VETO. You can find the South Dakota Farm Bureau's statement here, the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association's statement here, and the South Dakota Retailers' statement here.The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association also voiced support for the Governor's compromise.

Governor Rhoden has signed nine bills into law and VETOED one this legislative session.

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