OAKLAND, CA � NMA was today granted the right be a party in Supreme Beef Processors v. USDA.� Previously, NMA and four other trade associations had acted as �friends of the court� or amici on behalf of Supreme Beef.� The decision to give NMA �leave to intervene as appellee� addresses the motion that was filed by NMA during the week prior to the oral argument in Austin, Texas.� By granting the motion, the Appellate Court has obligated itself to issue a complete substantive decision upholding or overturning the ruling of the District Court which is now on appeal.�

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USDA asked that the court declare the case moot, because Supreme Beef had gone bankrupt.� �With this decision, by allowing NMA to intervene, the court eliminated the issue of mootness,� said NMA Executive Director Rosemary Mucklow.

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The court�s decision on the merits of the appeal is expected before the end of the year.

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National Meat Association is a non-profit trade association representing meat packers and processors, as well as equipment� manufacturers and suppliers who provide services to the meat industry. The association, with over 600 members throughout the United States, includes membership in Canada, Australia and Mexico.

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