Syngenta, Dow AgroSciences jointly to develop Dow compounds for use in Syngenta Seed Care

Indiana, Indianapolis, USA and Basel, Switzerland, Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences today announced a research and development agreement to evaluate current and future Dow AgroSciences compounds for incorporation into Syngenta’s market-leading seed treatment portfolio.

Dow AgroSciences and Syngenta will target opportunities to maximize crop vigor and yield in field crops and vegetables through synergies between the two companies’ chemistries. Joint projects will aim to accelerate the delivery to market of high performance seed treatment and seed enhancement technologies. Dow AgroSciences’ compounds will be used in combination with Syngenta’s portfolio; products arising from the collaboration will be commercialized by Syngenta.

John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer of Syngenta Crop Protection, said: "We see significant seed treatment potential in Dow AgroSciences’ portfolio, which is complementary to Syngenta’s leading Seed Care range. Syngenta’s proven expertise in the development and marketing of top performing products for the global seeds industry will enable rapid development of new products at a time of increasing demand for technology to improve crop yields.”

“Dow AgroSciences is pleased to partner with an industry leader in seed treatment to bring new state-of-the-art products to growers”, said Jerome Peribere, President and CEO of Dow AgroSciences. “Combining Dow AgroSciences’ active ingredients and The Dow Chemical Company’s coating and polymers technologies along with Syngenta’s industry leading seed treatment portfolio and expertise will be a great benefit for growers in providing world class solutions around the globe.”

Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world’s growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, were $3.8 billion in 2007. Learn more at www.dowagro.com.

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). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

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