BASEL, Switzerland, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Speaking yesterday at the 2009 USDA Outlook Forum in Washington D.C., Syngenta CEO Mike Mack highlighted the crucial role that agricultural technology can play in improving global food security. "In the face of persistent and growing global challenges, such as rising population, exacerbated by changing diets, limited farmland availability and more erratic climatic conditions, the need to ensure food security and environmental safety is essential. A full modern toolbox including biotechnology, crop protection and seed care is vital to provide solutions," Mack said.
Mike Mack highlighted the importance of science and research in finding alternative sources of energy, combating water scarcity and protecting biodiversity. "Some $30 billion worth of crops were lost to drought in 2007, and at the same time, the world is increasingly looking to biofuels to meet our energy needs," he continued. "Our innovative products allow us to unlock the potential of plants, enabling us to do more with less - feed more people, produce more fuel and fiber, while using less water and decreasing the carbon footprint of agriculture."
"We have just begun realizing the promise of agricultural technology. As amazing as the products we have already produced are, we are only at the early stages of the learning curve," concluded Mack.
Mike Mack spoke alongside other speakers including Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, US Department of Agriculture and Lawrence H. Summers, Assistant to President Obama for Economic Policy and Director of the National Economic Council.
Syngenta 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 www.syngenta.com
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.
Syngenta International AG
Media Office
CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland
Tel: +41 61 323 23 23
Fax: +41 61 323 24 24
www.syngenta.com
Media contact: Analyst/Investor contacts:
Medard Schoenmaeckers Jennifer Gough
Switzerland +41 61 323 2323 Switzerland +41 61 323 5059
USA +1 202 737 6521
John Hudson
Switzerland +41 61 323 6793
USA +1 202 737 6520
