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London, Ontario, Canada
January 19, 2009
Today, 36 growers from across the country will ‘hit the books’
as Syngenta Crop Protection
Canada, Inc. kicks-off the sixth annual session of Grower
University. Taking place at the prestigious Richard Ivey School
of Business in London, Ontario, the intensive, invitation-only
Business Foundations course focuses on teaching successful
producers how to build their business skill sets and enhance
farm management effectiveness.
“Syngenta is committed to supporting its customers in growing
and sustaining thriving farming operations,” says Jay Bradshaw,
President of Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. “Grower
University was created to help Canada’s leading producers run
financially and technologically sophisticated businesses that
will prosper for years to come.”
From Fort MacLeod, Alberta to North Bedeque, Prince Edward
Island, this year’s Grower University participants come from
agricultural communities across the country. The students are
selected through nomination by their local Syngenta Territory
Manager in recognition of their proven track record in the
industry, and future potential as an agricultural entrepreneur.
Graduates of the Grower University program report increased
confidence, improved results, and expanded business
opportunities as a result of their involvement in the program.
In addition to the different business components taught by the
faculty at the Richard Ivey School of Business and Syngenta, the
course also provides a forum for discussion amongst the
participants. This allows them to exchange information, and
experiences with other successful Canadian growers.
“The program is very relevant to today’s producers, who can no
longer rely on just family members to maintain their
businesses,” explains Don Barclay, Ivey Eminent Teaching
Professor Emeritus at The Richard Ivey School of Business and
co-creator of the Grower University Program. “Proof of the
relevance is in the demand as Syngenta gears up to add an
additional graduate course under the Grower University
umbrella.”
Upon the conclusion of the current session of Grower University,
wrapping up on Thursday, January 22, 2009, almost 200 growers
will have completed this unique program. Since its inception in
2004, 99% of the graduates said that they would recommend this
program to a fellow producer.
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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