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.

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.

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

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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