June 26, 2007

Syngenta agrees to collaborate crop research with Chinese institution

Syngenta has announced a five-year research collaboration with the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) in Beijing, China.

The agreement would focus on the identification and development of novel agronomic traits including drought tolerance for key crops, including corn, soy and wheat.

IGDB is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing and is one of China's leading biotechnology research institutes.

Syngenta would obtain the rights to commercialize previously and newly developed traits in the agreed range of field crops. Under the agreement, traits would not only be developed for the Chinese seeds market, but also for global agriculture markets. The companies did not disclose financial details.

Dr. David Lawrence, Head of Research and Development at Syngenta said IGDB has profound discovery research in genetics, developmental biology and agricultural sciences.

He added that its science base fits very well with Syngenta's commitment to meet the high demand from farmers both inside and outside of China for new seed products.

The collaboration with Syngenta would help IGDB to extend its research programmes beyond China, said Dr Yongbiao Xue, Director at IGDB.