Boise, Idaho
September 4, 2008
Syngenta announced today it has finalized agreements with
R&D Ag, Inc., of Gilroy, California, to support development of
heat-tolerant broccoli varieties. The agreements give Syngenta a
license for R&D Ag’s patent on heat-tolerant broccoli. In
addition, they provide Syngenta with research rights as well as
exclusive, global marketing rights for joint broccoli hybrids
that combine R&D Ag’s heat tolerant germplasm with
Syngenta-developed germplasm and technology.
Broccoli is among the top five vegetable crops in the US in
terms of acreage and value. In 2006, approximately 140,000 acres
of fresh market broccoli was harvested with an estimated value
of $615 million dollars. Broccoli is a cool weather crop and
traditionally its commercial production has been limited to
specific geographical regions and planting seasons. The
development of new varieties with demonstrated heat tolerance
should allow for expansion of the broccoli acreage, increasing
options for growers.
“This initiative supports Syngenta’s vision to develop the
highest quality vegetable seeds and extend the growing season
for the benefit of consumers who want locally grown produce on a
more reliable basis,” said Dan Burdett, Head, Syngenta NAFTA
vegetables. “These agreements represent new opportunities for
Syngenta to provide flexibility and quality to broccoli growers
and shippers.”
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Syngenta
anticipates the first sales of these new broccoli hybrids to
commence in May, 2011.
Syngenta is the second largest vegetable seeds producer in
North America. The company develops and produces a broad range
of premier vegetable seeds including tomatoes, melons, peppers,
broccoli, cauliflower spinach and sweet corn.
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). |
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