Statement Regarding the World Trade Organization's final report on the EU Beef Ban

"The World Trade Organization's decision to support the United
States in its complaint against the European Union's ban against beef
produced with growth promotants is a fundamental victory for U.S. beef
producers.  Because the WTO dispute settlement process is based on
science and not on socio-economic factors, the entire international
community can be confident that the WTO made a sound decision and that
U.S. beef is a safe product with high standards.

     "U.S. beef producers have lost an estimated $250 million a
year from the EU ban.  Therefore, the U.S. is adamant in regaining
access to the European market so that Europeans have the choice to
include U.S. beef in their diets.

     "We will support the U.S. negotiators in every possible way as
they continue to resolve this dispute with the EU and work to find ways
to export our beef and beef products to European consumers."

                              -NCBA-

     Initiated in 1898, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association
is the marketing organization and trade association for America's one
million cattle farmers and ranchers.  With offices in Denver, Chicago
and Washington, D.C., NCBA is a consumer-focused, producer-directed
organization representing the largest segment of the nation's food and
fiber industry.

     On Monday, August 18,  the World Trade Organization delivered
to WTO-member countries the final report regarding its decision on the
EU's ban on U.S. beef.  This action officially begins a 60-day time
period during which the report is considered for adoption.  The U.S./EU
dispute settlement body will meet during this 60-day time period.  The
meeting has been set for September 25.  Background information on the
EU Beef Ban can be found on the web at www.beef.org/hill.  Information
on the World Trade Organization can be found at www.wto.org.