Boise, Idaho
April 24, 2008

Syngenta announced plans today to construct a technologically-advanced seed processing facility in Pasco, WA. The facility will be located on approximately 40 acres of land and will be designed and equipped to process sweet corn seed and small-seeded vegetables seed. Construction is expected to begin this summer with a completion date set for fall 2009. The company expects to employ 27 full-time employees at the Pasco site.

“This new plant will significantly enhance Syngenta’s leadership position as a provider of high quality vegetables seeds,” said Dan Burdett, Head of the vegetables business in North America for Syngenta Seeds / ROGERS® Brand. The new, state-of-the-art plant in Pasco will provide significant seed processing advantages and improved efficiencies.

Over the next 18 months, the company will transfer sweet corn and small-seeded vegetables seed processing activities from its current plants in Nampa, ID, and Gilroy, CA, to the Pasco plant. Syngenta’s North American vegetables seed business will continue to have a strong presence in Idaho’s Treasure Valley with its headquarters in Boise and Research and Development center in Nampa.

Finally, in line with the company’s direction toward high quality, differentiated vegetables, Syngenta also announced its intention to divest its shell pea and dry bean businesses in the future.

These decisions will result in the phased relocations or lay-offs of less than 50 full-time employees across the various sites. Syngenta will work closely with affected employees to support them through the transition.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2007 were approximately $9.2 billion. Syngenta employs over 21,000 people in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).

Website: http://www.syngenta-us.com/seeds/vegetables/

Published: April 24, 2008