Bayer has already offered $8 billion to settle the majority of class-action lawsuits filed against it over Roundup weed killer and now is offering another $2 billion to settle the rest.
The $8-billion offer has been rejected, so those consolidated cases are headed to trial.
The new offer is to set up a $2-billion fund to settle other lawsuits.
It will feature panel of scientists whose findings would not be preclusive but can be used as evidence in potential future litigation involving class members.
It calls for “a robust notice program.”
It includes research and diagnostic programs that were part of the original class agreement.
Bayer is also pursuing permission with the Environmental Protection Agency to add a reference link (with access to scientific studies and information that the company has permission to disclose or are in the public domain) on product labels for glyphosate-based products.
"Today’s announcement has no impact on the availability of Roundup, an important tool for growers around the world," the company said.
The agreement was filed with Judge Vince Chhabria of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, who is the same judge overseeing the original Roundup litigation. The filing will now be reviewed by the court.
