Based in Basel, Switzerland, Syngenta was formed in 2000 by the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals. Its roots are considerably older.

Syngenta AG is a large global Swiss specialized chemicals company which markets seeds and pesticides. Syngenta is involved in biotechnology and genomic research. The company is a leader in crop protection[citation needed], and ranks third in total sales in the commercial agricultural seeds market. Sales in 2010 were approximately US$ 11.6 billion. Syngenta employs over 26,000 people in over 90 countries.
 

Syngenta has eight primary product lines. The company develops, markets and sells these worldwide:

Seeds

• Field Crops
• Vegetables
• Flowers

Key Crops

• Cereals
• Corn
• Lawn & Garden
• Oilseeds and Sugar beet
• Rice
• Soybean
• Sugar cane
• Vegetables

Pesticides

• Selective Herbicides
• Non-selective Herbicides
• Fungicides
• Insecticides
• Professional Products

The Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture

We focus on “pre-commercial farmers”, who typically own less than two hectares. Our work has two main goals: better productivity and stronger value chains. In both areas we work with a wide range of partners. They include state institutions, private companies, research institutes and non-governmental organizations (”NGOs“).

The Syngenta Foundation invests in methods that sustainably increase crop yields. Plant science, for example, develops better seeds specifically suited to local conditions. Sustainable productivity also requires appropriate commercial structures. So we additionally invest in credit systems, insurance and the distribution of market information.

The Syngenta Foundation gets value chains moving. We help smallholders to earn an income from their produce, for example by meeting high standards of quality and safety. We also establish partnerships in areas as varied as seed supply, environmental services and food processing.