OTHER NEWS - May 12, 1994

DuPont Co. Wins Verdict in Crop Loss Suit: A jury rejected claims by five growers who blamed a DuPont chemical for losses, but the company settled with four of the growers hours before the verdict was announced. DuPont also settled 55 other Benlate DF fungicide cases in Florida, all for undisclosed amounts. “It’s just another example of the big guy crushing the little guy,” said Guy Pena, one of the growers who settled while the jury deliberated. “So much evidence was kept out, the law basically prevented the truth from coming out.” But DuPont spokeswoman Pat Getter said: “We have the thrill of victory. We feel vindicated.” More than 200 remaining cases charge that Benlate killed crops or damaged them.