Brazil
October 17, 2006

Source: Valor Economico via Syngenta

The Brazilian horticultural & vegetables market that has been growing above the rest of the world average is attracting seeds multinationals, such as Syngenta Seeds, to carry on local research. The firm has doubled up its seeds production this year, obtaining in Brazil its better results. Syngenta is now offering 40mil greens-seeds in Brazil and, due to its sales performance, other seeds varieties are being developed. Until the end of 2006, the group will open a melon, watermelon and pumpkins seeds research center at Aracati (Ceara), via investments of US$1,1mil. All the firm's seeds are currently developed in the US, tested in several countries where it has operations, and further commercialized to other countries. Most of the seeds tested in Brazil are exported to Italy, Spain and Middle East. Syngenta`s ROGERS division boasts two testing units in the country, at Itatiba (Sao Paulo) and Uberlandia (Minas Gerais).

Currently, the greens-seeds segment represent for 15,3% of incomes in Latin America, which should be around US$15,7mil this year, against US$11,8mil posted in 2005.

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 2005 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com

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

Published: October 17, 2006