Adam J. Levitt, of Wolf Haldenstein, Appointed Plaintiffs' Co-Lead Counsel in in Re Genetically Modified Rice Litigation, MDL 1811 (E.D. Mo.).

CHICAGO -- Adam J. Levitt, a partner in the law firm of Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLC, was appointed Plaintiffs' Designated Co-Lead and Co-Interim Class Counsel on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, in a case brought on behalf of U.S. rice farmers and others, based upon damages they sustained resulting from the contamination of the U.S. rice supply with unapproved, genetically-modified rice seed traits developed and tested by Bayer CropScience LP and related entities (collectively "Bayer").

The contamination of the U.S. rice supply - with not less than two distinct genetically modified rice traits, LLRICE601 and LLRICE 604 - has caused significant economic damages to U.S. rice producers and has substantially diminished their ability to cultivate, market, or otherwise distribute their rice crops. These actions seek to hold Bayer, the developer of these genetically modified rice traits, accountable for the market losses and other economic and related damages they have caused U.S. rice producers. In addition to the rice producer actions, a small subset of cases in this consolidated, multidistrict litigation seek damages that this rice supply contamination caused to rice mills, rice exporters, and others.

In making the appointment, United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry concluded that the prevailing leadership group "best meets the needs of all plaintiffs. . . . (and) most closely meets the `private ordering' concept, because it has support of the larger number of plaintiffs and lawyers involved." Judge Perry further recognized that "the members of this group have been involved in the litigation consistently and cooperatively since the beginning. They also have the resources necessary to represent the plaintiffs and to coordinate the activities that will be necessary for the prosecution of this litigation."

This case is captioned "In re Genetically Modified Rice Litigation," Master Docket No. 4:06MD1811 CDP, and is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Wolf Haldenstein has extensive experience in the prosecution of complex biotechnology and other litigation, including class actions in federal trial and state courts throughout the country. The firm has more than 70 attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in Chicago, New York City, San Diego, West Palm Beach, and Washington, D.C. Wolf Haldenstein's reputation and expertise in biotechnology and agricultural litigation and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to leadership positions in complex cases nationwide.

If you wish to discuss this or any other biotechnology, agricultural, or other class or complex litigation, or have any questions, please contact Adam J. Levitt, of Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLC, at [phone], via e-mail at [e-mail], or visit our website at http://www.whafh.com.