APHIS entered into this settlement agreement with Scotts to resolve allegations that the company failed to comply with performance standards and permit conditions for field trials of glyphosate-tolerant creeping bentgrass and improperly moved genetically engineered grass seed. Scotts already has implemented measures to comply with performance standards and permit conditions related to these allegations.

In addition, APHIS alleges that Scotts failed to conduct a 2003 Oregon field trial in a manner which ensured that neither glyphosate-tolerant creeping bentgrass nor its offspring would persist in the environment. Scotts currently is taking monitoring and mitigation actions in Oregon to locate and remove the regulated genetically engineered material that was accidentally released.

Also, as part of the agreement, within one year Scotts will conduct three public workshops for other potential developers of genetically engineered plants and other interested parties. These workshops will focus on best management practices and technical guidance on the identification and prompt resolution of biotechnology compliance incidents.