Syngenta, Chinese Academy of Sciences to Collaborate on Biotech Research

25 June 2007

Syngenta, a global agribusiness and third largest in the high-value commercial seeds market, is entering a five-year research collaboration with the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) in Beijing, China.

The agreement focuses on the identification and development of novel agronomic traits including drought tolerance for key crops, including corn, soybean, wheat, sugar beet and sugar cane. IGDB forms part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing and is one of China’s leading biotechnology research institutes.

Syngenta will have rights to commercialize previously and newly developed traits in the agreed range of field crops. Under the agreement, traits will not only be developed for the Chinese seeds market, but also for global agriculture markets. Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

We are extremely pleased to have IGDB as one of our research partners. The Institute has profound discovery research in genetics, developmental biology and agricultural sciences. Its science base fits very well with Syngenta’s commitment to meet the high demand from farmers both inside and outside of China for new seed products. Combining our technology platforms will increase the speed of introduction of new and improved seed varieties.

—Dr. David Lawrence, Head of Research and Development at Syngenta