Syngenta Seedcare and Rizobacter collaborate to bring innovative biological seed treatments to the South African market
South African farmers can look forward to new and exciting innovative seed treatment solutions as part of a global collaboration between two multinational agricultural companies - Syngenta with headquarters in Switzerland, and Rizobacter, a subsidiary of Bioceres Crop Solutions, from Rosario Argentina. Under their agreement, Syngenta Seedcare serves as the exclusive distributor for Rizobacter’s biological seed treatment solutions and as of now, the partnership is set to introduce innovative, sustainable options to the South African market.
According to Stefan van Zyl, Seedcare Business Lead for Africa and the Middle East, this exclusive partnership between Syngenta and Rizobacter follows Syngenta Seedcare’s focus to forge key partnerships to accelerate the pace of seed treatment innovation, as well as fortifying its position in key growth areas such as biological seed treatments. “We are passionate about co-creating solutions that add value to growers. Our ambition has always been to enable growers’ investments to grow from seeds to young plants through innovation and collaboration,” he adds.
With over four decades of experience in the research, development, and manufacturing of seed applied biologicals, Rizobacter is renowned for its expertise in agricultural microbiology and inoculant research. As a progressive leader in the Industry, Rizobacter’s global presence is a testament to its success, with 23% of the world's soybeans treated with its biological technologies.
"After years of successfully delivering value to South African farmers, we are excited to have partnered with Syngenta. This collaboration combines our innovative technologies with Syngenta's commercial expertise, allowing them to take the lead in distributing our inoculants, bringing sustainable solutions to an even greater number of farmers, and helping to drive agricultural growth across South Africa," Alejandro Lehmann, Commercial Head EMEA for Rizobacter states.
Speaking about the impact of this collaboration on South African growers, Luc Henry, Business Area Head for South Africa, says: “This exclusive partnership on the South African market is very exciting news. It will take innovation for our Seedcare and Soil Health solutions to the next level. The unique combination of Seedcare products and services together with the Rizobacter Biologicals portfolio of will enable a step change in yields that will benefit South African farmers all over the country.”
Biological seed treatment products such as inoculants, biocontrol, and bio stimulants are based on microorganisms, their metabolites, plant extracts and other naturally occurring materials. Seed treatment solutions such as inoculants, help crops like soybeans to capture nitrogen from the atmosphere and significantly improves nutrient use efficiency, as up to 80% of the soybean nitrogen needs can be supplied through inoculation.
In combination with the Seedcare crop protection portfolio, application, and services from the Seedcare Institute and Biolab that was recently launched, this new partnership will enable South African growers to have access to powerful and targeted solutions that will enable plants to thrive and growers to prosper, while preserving soil health at the same time.
About Syngenta
Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies, comprised of Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality, and safety of agriculture with world class science and innovative crop solutions. Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. In more than 100 countries we are working to transform how crops are grown. Through partnerships, collaboration, and The Good Growth Plan we are committed to accelerating innovation for farmers and nature, striving for regenerative agriculture, helping people stay safe and healthy and partnering for impact.
To learn more about our seed treatment solutions visit https://www.syngenta.co.za/
About Rizobacter
Rizobacter, subsidiary of Bioceres Crop Solutions (NASDAQ: BIOX), is a global leader in research, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. The company is committed to ensuring the balance between economic growth, environmental preservation, and social well-being.
To learn more visit www.rizobacter.com
Enquiries can be directed to: Yolandi Furniss, Yolandi.Furniss@syngenta.com
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