For Immediate Release

CONTACT:        Tanya Augustson           (202) 347-0228               taugustson@beef.org
Karen Batra                   (202) 347-0228               kbatra@beef.org

NCBA Statement:
USDA Decision to Appeal U.S. District Court Injunction of BSE Minimal-Risk Rule

by Jim McAdams, Texas Cattle Producer, and
President, National Cattlemen's Beef Association

March 17, 2005

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association believes USDA’s decision to appeal the injunction will speed resolution of this issue and hopefully return this debate to a discussion of science and fact, versus politically-motivated litigation.

“NCBA continues to seek solutions that will grow our industry and assure long-term profitability for America’s cattle producers.

“Ensuring a positive future for cattlemen depends upon: 1) maintaining consumer confidence, and 2) increasing market opportunities for producers. America’s cattle industry has worked for years to gain consumer confidence in beef, and research indicates consumer confidence is at an all-time high.  Those in our industry who call into question the safety of beef undermine our efforts and jeopardize our future.

"Forcing an activist agenda on the entire beef industry through litigation based upon unfounded science threatens beef demand and delays our opportunities to regain export markets and increase long-term producer profitability.

"NCBA has outlined eleven key issues that must be addressed before our border is opened to Canadian cattle.  This litigation has pre-empted our ability to resolve these issues.

“NCBA and the producer-members it represents stand firm in our fight for profitability and growth.”

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