Scotts enters deal to develop more natural products

Marysville, Ohio-based Scotts Miracle-Gro will collaborate with Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) on research and development in natural plant protection products. 

"We are excited about this new partnership with MBI because we believe it will lead to improved products that enable gardeners who choose natural options to get great results," said Bruce Caldwell, Scotts Miracle-Gro's Global R&D Leader. 

Scotts Miracle-Gro will have access to MBI's full portfolio of innovative biopesticides for the development of new products for the lawn and garden market. MBI will manufacture and supply any resulting products, and Scotts Miracle-Gro will maintain worldwide marketing rights. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Our goal is to provide the tools and products consumers need to be successful, and it is important to offer natural products that are truly effective," Caldwell added. "Working with partners like Marrone Bio Innovations helps drive a robust development process that combines consumer insights with the most advanced R&D in the business to create products that are simple, sustainable and significant."

Derived from naturally occurring compounds, MBI's biopesticides are used increasingly in farming because they effectively control pests, can enhance plant health and increase yields, and leave no residues on crops or in the environment, according to the Davis, Calif.-based company.