Swiss agrochemical giants Syngenta blamed a four per cent fall in sales in the first quarter on the strong dollar, but showed signs of growth.

Despite the four per cent fall to $3.6 billion (£2.4bn) on 2008, sales increased seven per cent at constant exchange rates (CER) as increased prices and growing demand kept the company on track. Syngenta’s crop protection sales rose by eight per cent on herbicide demand at $2.6bn.

Sales of vegetable seeds rose dramatically in the first quarter by 16 per cent to $603m, with flowers matching the percentage rise to $337m. Seeds sales overall were three per cent higher (CER) at $1.1bn.

Fungicide sales have increased but the main season is yet to come. Insecticides saw a slight decline owing to lower Latin American sales. Sales in Europe were strong, with impressive returns from Russia, Poland and France in particular.

Second season sales in Latin America were lower owing to drought in Argentina and southern Brazil and to careful risk management.

Growth in Asia-Pacific was particularly strong in the emerging markets, demonstrating the resilience of the farm economy in these countries and the success of Syngenta's tailored product offer.

New products Avicta, Axial, Durivo and Revus saw strong early popularity, with sales up 40 per cent as growers adopt the new technology.

The company continues to target growth after a tight 2008 which featured some careful risk management from the company.

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