Diversity and inclusion at Syngenta create employee satisfaction and customer value

- Policy recognized for impact on workplace culture

- Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award underscores company's commitment to diversity

- Helping women flourish in ag is priority for Syngenta, the presenting sponsor of "FarmHer on RFD-TV"

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Nov 29, 2016, 03:00 ET

GREENSBORO, N.C., Nov. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A global diversity and inclusion policy is helping Syngenta leverage differences, catalyze innovation, maximize performance and create business value for its more than 28,000 employees worldwide. The policy is also having an impact on the company's customers in the U.S.

Head of Digital Agriculture at Syngenta Dan Burdett (center) and President of Syngenta Crop Protection Vern Hawkins (right) welcome Marji Guyler-Alaniz (left), founder of FarmHer, to a Syngenta-sponsored event. As part of its commitment to women in agriculture, Syngenta is the presenting sponsor of Guyler-Alaniz's new television series "FarmHer on RFD-TV."

"A diverse and inclusive workforce enables us to embrace unique perspectives and capabilities of our employees and, therefore, create business value for our customers in a challenging marketplace," said Ponsi Trivisvavet, president of Syngenta Seeds, LLC.

As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Syngenta is the presenting sponsor of a new television series, "FarmHer on RFD-TV." All episodes include 30-second #RootedinAg Spotlights, featuring many of the women affiliated with Syngenta—both customers and employees alike—whose agricultural roots are helping their industry and communities thrive. One of those women is Kelsey Vance, a Syngenta sales representative from O'Fallon, Illinois.

"We're all working toward the same goal: to grow the best crop possible and feed an ever-growing population," said Vance. "There are so many different roles in agriculture. We need to look beyond the stereotypical image of what a career in agriculture means for women."

Vance credits her mentor, Teresa McNeal, for teaching her that females in a male-dominated industry are in a unique position to leave a lasting impression.

"It's not just about diversity in hiring, but diversity of thought," said McNeal, U.S. head of customer marketing for seeds at Syngenta and one of the company's diversity and inclusion champions. "One of my primary roles as a champion is to help identify ways to bring groups together to advance employee enthusiasm, professional development and community engagement. In my 18-plus years with the company, I've never been prouder to work for Syngenta."

Others have begun to take notice of this commitment. Women in Agribusiness (WIA) recently recognized Syngenta as its company of the year for workplace diversity during a ceremony at the WIA Summit in Chicago. Along with this honor, Syngenta received WIA's Demeter Award, which acknowledges the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses that are creating positive results in retaining, recruiting and promoting women in the ag sector.

"We are honored to receive this award and grateful to WIA for the recognition," said Dan Burdett, global head of digital agriculture at Syngenta. "We recognize the significant roles women play in agriculture and are so proud of the Syngenta female scientists, sales representatives, agronomists, communicators and business leaders who are helping growers and resellers make a positive impact on the world's food supply."

For the latest news and trends in agriculture, go to www.syngentathrive.com.

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 and www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS.

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