ESG Enforcement Tracker

Sonoma County District Attorney announced that Tractor Supply has entered into a stipulated judgment to resolve allegations concerning violations of California’s price accuracy laws, pesticide regulations and greenwashing laws. Under the settlement, Tractor Supply will pay US$5,126,282.97 in civil penalties, restitution and costs.

The complaint, brought on behalf of the District Attorneys of Sonoma, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Sacramento and San Bernardino counties, alleged that Tractor Supply charged customers higher prices than the lowest advertised or posted price, sold pesticides without current valid licences, failed to maintain required pesticide sales records, sold restricted pesticides without the appropriate licensing, and marketed products as “biodegradable” contrary to California’s greenwashing requirements. The complaint further alleged that the conduct violated California’s Unfair Competition Law.

Pursuant to the judgment, Tractor Supply is required to implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with California’s price accuracy laws, pesticide regulations and greenwashing laws. Tractor Supply cooperated with the investigation and voluntarily ceased pesticide sales until the required licensing was obtained, following contact from the District Attorneys.