(Photo by Casey Kuhn - KJZZ)

Pima County residents spoke out against Monsanto plans for the area.

Representatives from agricultural giant Monsanto came out to Pima County Monday night to hear from residents about a plan to build a greenhouse in the area. Locals spoke out against the proposed agreement that would support efforts to lower the company’s property taxes.

Representatives from Monsanto laid out plans at the Oro Valley public library for a seven-acre greenhouse the company plans to build in Marana.

Monsanto bought 155 acres of land, and the presentation showed how the company plans to plant half genetically modified and half conventional corn crops. Ultimately Monsanto wants to cast the project as a Foreign Trade Zone to reduce property taxes.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors is considering an agreement with the seed giant that would support those tax incentives. In return, Monsanto would report on pesticide use and waste quarterly.

“I have so much respect from the expertise and your own ability to take information and questions from a group of people who are emotional about this topic and don’t trust Monsanto," said GeeGee Larington said.

Larington was one of dozens who spoke out against Monsanto’s plans and told a county official she doesn’t trust the corporation.

“We didn’t always take the steps as a company to be as transparent as we could be and I think what you’ve seen here tonight is a complete commitment to change that,” said Amanda McClerren, Monsanto representative.

The next public meeting will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13 in Green Valley.