New R&D capacity will help farmers move towards more sustainable practices
Syngenta is consolidating its position in the development of cutting-edge biological technology solutions for agricultural use by significantly expanding its research and development capacity in this sector.
The company has announced the acquisition of Novartis’ portfolio of natural compounds and genetic strains for agricultural use, while Novartis maintains exclusive rights to substances for pharmaceutical use. The transaction also includes the transfer of Novartis’ Natural Products and Biomolecular Chemistry team to Syngenta.
The move gives Syngenta access to a significant pipeline of new agricultural research developments, as well as integrated capabilities in bioengineering, data processing and analytics, and fermentation technologies.
As part of the deal, which is expected to close on 1 June, Syngenta will also lease Novartis’ pilot fermentation plant and scientific laboratories located in Basel, Switzerland. The acquisition builds on a research collaboration between Syngenta and Novartis since 2019.
This acquisition includes the start-up of a new Syngenta biologics production facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina, US. The facility is Syngenta’s first global-scale production facility for agricultural biologics in the US and will support the growing demand for such solutions.
“These developments come as Syngenta works on multiple collaborations to accelerate the pace of innovation in biologicals, as well as strengthen its position in key growth areas such as nutrient use efficiency,” Syngenta said.
In recent months, the company has announced several collaborations, including with Provivi, on the development of novel pheromones, targeting pests in key crops across Asia; Ginkgo Bioworks, to accelerate the launch of innovative biological active ingredients; Intrinsyx Bio, on nutrient use efficiency; Lavie Bio, in R&D of new bio-insecticides; Lithos Crop Protect, in the area of sprayable pheromones targeting pests in corn crops; and TraitSeq, in an AI technology to accelerate the development of biologicals.
Camilla Corsi, global head of crop protection research and development at Syngenta, said: “We invest significantly to offer the industry’s most advanced range of innovative agricultural solutions.
“The integration of these cutting-edge assets opens a new chapter in our ability to develop cutting-edge biological solutions for farmers and reflects our commitment to drive solutions that continue to elevate the sustainability of agriculture.”
Jonathan Brown, global head of Syngenta’s seed treatment and biologicals unit, said: “With the broadest and most complete portfolio across all biological product segments, we have established ourselves as a benchmark in this segment. In a constantly growing market, it is important to secure a portfolio capable of supporting continuous evolutions. I am convinced that this acquisition will allow us to maintain our capacity for innovation”.
Biologicals are agricultural technologies that harness nature to protect and improve crop health. Biocontrol and biostimulants and nutrient use efficiency products complement conventional crop inputs, offering farmers greater flexibility to manage pests and diseases, address abiotic stress, and improve nutrient use efficiency and soil health.
Syngenta said biologicals are crucial to driving regenerative agriculture and helping agriculture shift towards more sustainable farming practices and contribute to meeting its commitments outlined in its sustainability priorities. Syngenta has been systematically expanding its focus on biologicals since its acquisition of Italy’s Valagro in 2020.
