Associated Press

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A potential settlement appears to be in the works on some claims in lawsuits over the May 2013 discovery of genetically engineered Monsanto wheat in an Oregon field.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil in Kansas has given the parties until Sept. 29 to file stipulations of dismissal of claims brought by growers of soft white wheat. She has also stayed proceedings to give the remaining parties a chance to explore a possible settlement.

An order filed Wednesday in federal court in Kansas gives the parties until Oct. 27 to file a joint report on efforts to resolve the case.

At least 13 lawsuits against St. Louis-based Monsanto over have been consolidated in Kansas. The lawsuits were initially filed in Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, Oregon, Texas, Mississippi, Washington, Arkansas and Idaho.