01 October 2024

In a decade, remarkable transformations take place around the world. Entire cities can evolve from barren landscapes to bustling hubs of innovation and culture. Technological advancements can revolutionize the way we live, work, and communicate, making what once seemed like science fiction an everyday reality.

Yet, within this time frame, another remarkable journey unfolds within Swiss facilities of Syngenta, leaders in ag science and the innovators behind products like BOXER GOLD® herbicide and MIRAVIS® Star fungicide. The journey of a molecule from its discovery, to becoming a formulated solution used by farmers to help combat weeds, pests and diseases, halfway around the world in Australia, is remarkable. This intricate process, which can often span between 10-12 years, encapsulates a blend of scientific ingenuity, rigorous testing, and regulatory scrutiny, ultimately aiming to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability. Syngenta reveals what’s behind this journey through its online Plants Tour, well worth a look on their global website Syngenta.com but here’s a taste.

The journey begins

With the constant change in agriculture across the world and increasingly variable climate, Syngenta asks how do we know what farmers will need in 10 years? How do we create the solutions they need to stay profitable and protect the environment at the same time? For Syngenta the journey starts in Switzerland, world renowned as a pioneering science and technology hub. Syngenta’s roots here go back some 250 years, so Swiss innovation is part of its DNA.

Headquartered in Basel for almost 25 years, it is uniquely placed to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems. Representing 70 different nationalities, Syngenta’s 2,900 Swiss-based experts come together to play their part in the journey of every molecule.

Syngenta’s six, world-leading facilities in Switzerland are home to some of the brightest talents and biggest innovations in agriculture and have a huge impact around the world, not only in helping farmers become more productive in the face of challenging weather conditions, growing disease and pest risks, but allowing them to be able to do it more sustainably.

Les Barges

Münchwilen

Monthey

“At the core of what we do is we bring innovation to farmers everywhere around the world. Helping farmers improve productivity and address really important societal issues like climate change,” Syngenta Chief Executive Jeff Rowe says.

“Innovation and the connection to Switzerland goes back many years and it’s a great combination – one that’s proved to be highly successful for our business, our customers and for the world,” he adds.

Because the journey from discovery to farm can take from 10-12 years, taking a long view on innovation and progress is key. Rowe says: “Our continuous innovation cycle uniquely draws on the history and strengths of the past but is also being informed by the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

Syngenta Group’s CEO Jeff Rowe at Syngenta’s Research Center in Stein, Switzerland

Syngenta scientists, researchers, biologists, chemists, and technicians are all deeply passionate and committed to helping find solutions for farmers around the world. Every day they work to help make these new discoveries, test and develop them with the latest science and technology and ensure they are efficient and sustainable.

But what does this journey from molecule to field look like and who are the people who make these discoveries come to life on-farm? That’s the subject of the 'Plants Tour'. Stretching from Stein, Syngenta’s Swiss R&D centre, to Monthey, one of the largest crop protection production sites in the world, with stops at the field research (greenhouse) facilities at Les Barges, and Münchwilen which focuses on formulation stability, it’s quite a tour.

Visit Syngenta.com, the global website for Syngenta to see for yourself.

*DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before