NMA SUPPORTS USDA IN BORDER LITIGATION

OAKLAND, CA – National Meat Association has again led the charge in supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture in its efforts to normalize cattle and beef trade with Canada.

NMA filed an amicus brief being filed this week supporting the USDA in R-CALF v. USDA. Several organizations signed on to support NMA’s brief including: American Meat Institute, North American Meat Processors Association, Southwest Meat Association, Eastern Meat Packers Association, United Food & Commercial Workers Union, Easterday Ranches, Inc. and Pioneer, Inc.

“We are pleased to have such strong supporters. This lawsuit has damaged the entire beef chain,” said CEO & Executive Director Barry Carpenter.

The District Court in Billings, Montana granted Summary Judgment to the USDA after the case was returned to that court by the Ninth Circuit when it reversed the District Court’s preliminary injunction which had kept the U.S. Canadian border closed. R-CALF is claiming that the District Court failed to consider new information and evidence, a claim that amici argue is without merit.

National Meat Association is a non-profit trade association. Since 1946, NMA has represented meat packers and processors, equipment manufacturers and food suppliers who provide services to the meat industry. The association has members throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, Australia and Mexico.