March 15, 2005 — The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted an emergency appeal submitted by the National Meat Association (NMA) in the pending legal battle between Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The court decision regarding the emergency filing submitted by NMA March 9 allows the organization to seek intervenor status.
According to a Reuters article released yesterday, NMA has until March 21 to file its briefing explaining why it should be allowed a role in the trade dispute and to argue for reopening of Canadian cattle imports. R-CALF and USDA will be allowed answering briefs, due March 28.
NMA, a nonprofit association representing meat packers and processors, has argued that the preliminary injunction granted March 2 by a U.S. District Court in Montana puts its members in serious economic danger due to continued layoffs, closures and reduced capacities at processing plants nationwide.
“The closed businesses will not reopen. Unless the decision is reversed, U.S. jobs will be lost forever,” said Jeremy Russell, NMA director of communications and government relations, in an organization release. “We are attempting to avert nothing less than devastating, irreparable harm to our industry.”
Following the court’s decision, NMA Executive Director Rosemary Mucklow stated, “We are very appreciative that our appeal has been granted and will work with all parties for the quick resolution of this litigation.”
— by Crystal Albers, Angus Productions Inc. assistant editor
