Poor weather and high taxes were blamed for an expected loss of profit at Syngenta.

The company has announced a mixed set of results for the first half of 2010, with sales increasing by one per cent to $6.7 billion, but falling three per cent at constant exchange rates.

Net income for the six-month period dropped by 11 per cent on the same period in 2009, down to $1.2 bn from $1.4bn.

The group's net result was impacted by cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere that delayed farming, as well as high inventories from last year that drove down prices.

Chief executive Mike Mack told Reuters he expects the group to report a strong second half, he said, adding that indications for the upcoming planting season in the southern hemisphere looked good.

A strong development in Latin America and Asia should allow the company, which also produces genetically modified seeds, to make up for a 13 per cent drop in operating profit in the first half and end the year with flat operating income, according to Mack.

Mack said net profit is set to come in lower than last year as financial expenses and a higher tax rate are set to weigh on the bottom line.

In April, Syngenta said it expected an increase in operating income for the full year.

"This is the year where Syngenta could have more of its sales in emerging markets than in developed markets," Mack said.

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