Syngenta COO: 'Worldwide Collaboration Needed to Raise Yields'
June 07 2009 - 4:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
BASEL, Switzerland, June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Speaking today
at the World Grain Forum 2009 in St. Petersburg, John Atkin,
Syngenta Chief Operating Officer Crop Protection, emphasized the
essential role of technology in meeting the global food production
challenges of the 21st Century. "We only have one planet, we need
worldwide collaboration to raise yields through the use of modern
technology, supportive government policies and efficient global
trade," said Atkin. The event, which is the result of a G8 summit
initiative, focused on grain supply and food provision for the
global population. "As the 2008 World Development Report states,
more dynamic and inclusive agriculture could help to meet the
Millennium Development Goal on poverty and hunger. Clearly, this is
a challenging goal," continued Atkin. "The world must work together
to accelerate technology adoption. We could already realize
significant yield potential within the next three years by
comprehensively deploying existing technologies." Atkin went on to
highlight the importance of science-based regulatory frameworks and
efficient trade systems. "Governments and stakeholders need to
recognize the importance of technology and facilitate farmer access
to it. Public investment in agriculture, which has been reduced in
recent years, should be increased to advance technology discovery
and development and efficient global trade systems should also be
encouraged. However, without the political and institutional will
to do the right thing, we will not get very far." The event was
hosted by Dmitry Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation.
John Atkin joined alongside guests including Jacques Diouf,
Director-General, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and
various agricultural ministers. Syngenta (NYSE:SYT) is one of the
world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over
90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to
life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to
our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the
environment and improve health and quality of life. For more
information about us please go to http://www.syngenta.com/ or
http://www.growmorefromless.com/. Syngenta International AG Media
Office CH-4002 Basel Switzerland Tel: +41 61 323 23 23 Fax: +41 61
323 24 24 http://www.syngenta.com/ Media contact: Medard
Schoenmaeckers Switzerland +41 61 323 2323 Analyst/Investor
contacts: Jennifer Gough Switzerland +41 61 323 5059 USA +1 202 737
6521 John Hudson Switzerland +41 61 323 6793 USA +1 202 737 6520
DATASOURCE: Syngenta CONTACT: Media, Medard Schoenmaeckers,
Switzerland, +41-61-323-2323, or Analysts/Investors, Jennifer
Gough, Switzerland, +41-61-323-5059, USA, +1-202-737-6521, or John
Hudson, Switzerland, +41-61-323-6793, USA, +1-202-737-6520, all of
Syngenta Web Site: http://www.syngenta.com/
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