(Photo by Casey Kuhn - KJZZ)

Monsanto brought a model of the planned greenhouse to Marana for the public to see.

The seed and chemical giant Monsanto bought land in Pima County last year to build a greenhouse for new corn-variety testing. KJZZ reported on the development plans last month, and now reports Wednesday the company dropped a plan seeking lower property taxes.

Monsanto was hoping for a Foreign Trade Zone designation, which would drastically lower taxes on the property. In an agreement with Pima County’s Board of Supervisors, the board would support this plan as long as Monsanto met with certain stipulations.

The board was supposed to vote on the agreement next week. Now, after hearing comments from public meetings that were largely against the plans, Monsanto is withdrawing the proposal, but keeping the other stipulations.

That includes a contribution to the Marana school district up to $500,000 in lieu of taxes, making a community advisory panel and report to the county any restricted pesticide usage at the greenhouse.

A Monsanto representative says there are no plans for any new agreements concerning taxes.