A research team is proposing a new technique that would allow meat to be grown in a laboratory for mass consumption, according to a report.

Researchers in the U.S. say the technology now exists now to produce processed meats such as burgers and sausages, starting with cells taken from cows, chickens, pigs, fish or other animals.

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Growing meat without the animal would not only reduce the need for the animals -- which often are kept in less than ideal conditions -- but may also address a number of environmental ills blamed on meat production.

Cultured meat could also be tailored to be healthier than farm-raised meat, while satisfying the increasing demand for protein by the world's growing population, proponents say.

Industrializing the process could involve growing muscle cells on large sheets or beads suspended in a growth medium.

Once the cells have grown enough, they could be scraped off and packaged. If edible sheets or beads are used, all of it could be eaten.

But butchers and vegetarians are just two groups of people who are yet to be convinced.

"To he honest anything they can do with test tubes or whatever, it can't be made," butcher Rodney Macken said.

"I don't like eating a cow that's been pumped full of growth hormones that artificially grow it so it gets onto our plates quicker," a diner said. " I would feel the same about a lump of meat that had been pumped full of chemicals and that had been artificially modified."

Supporters also said growing meat would reduce the number of animals killed and cut environmental waste that comes from livestock.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.