Scotts shareholders reject bid for environmental lobbying disclosures

More than 76 percent of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. shareholders rejected a request that the company provide more information about its lobbying against state and local environmental policies.

Earlier this month, a group of shareholders expressed concern that Scotts' opposition to pesticide and fertilizer restrictions could affect its sales, noting that one of its largest customers, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT), is encouraging consumers to buy environmentally friendly products. About 16 percent of Scotts' 2006 sales came through the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer, making it Scotts' second-largest customer behind Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:HD).