Syngenta and DSM to develop and commercialize biological solutions for agriculture

BASEL, Switzerland and HEERLEN, Netherlands, Nov. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Syngenta and DSM today announced an R&D partnership to develop microbial-based agricultural solutions, including bio-controls, bio-pesticides and bio-stimulants. The companies aim to jointly commercialize solutions from their discovery platform.                                                                       

The collaboration aims to accelerate the delivery of a broad spectrum of products based on naturally occurring micro-organisms for pre- and post-harvest application around the world. These organisms can protect crops from pests and diseases, combat resistance and enhance plant productivity and fertility.

Over the next decade, use of biological solutions is set to record double-digit growth and by 2030 could represent up to 10 percent of the global crop protection market. 

Syngenta will contribute specialized know-how in agronomic applications and plant biotechnology, as well as its global market access and commercial strength. DSM will complement this with its unique microbial database, discovery platform and decades of experience in scaling and manufacturing of microbial products. Syngenta will also provide a dedicated R&D program for the selection of relevant micro-organisms.

Trish Malarkey, Syngenta Head of R&D, said: "New microbial-based solutions will contribute to meeting the challenge of producing more food from fewer resources, benefiting farmers, consumers, the environment and society. Our collaboration with DSM brings together breakthrough science and the ability to formulate and deliver biological tools on a global scale."

Rob van Leen, Chief Innovation Officer of DSM, said: "Our society asks for sustainable solutions to safeguard food and nutrition security. With DSM's bright science in the micro-organism field, we can help address this global challenge together with Syngenta and its specialized know-how and market access. We look forward to using our long-standing experience and leading competence in bio (process) technology to accelerate the development of biological solutions for agriculture."

About Syngenta
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter^® at www.twitter.com/Syngenta.

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DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.™
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to DSM's future (financial) performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of DSM and information currently available to the company. DSM cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance and position to differ materially from these statements. DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law.

SOURCE Syngenta International AG; DSM

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