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## Diverse field cro ps 

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## 2011 sales 

US$1,279m 

## Targetsales 

US$m 

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Global demand for vegetable oils is growing at about 4 percent a year. Sunflower and oilseed rape represent some 20 percent of the market and are benefiting from rising demand for healthy oils. 

Early recognition of sunflowers’ potential has enabled Syngenta to average 18 percent annual sales growth since 2001, with organic expansion supplemented by seeds acquisitions. Our global number one position in seeds is complemented by our leading seed care portfolio. We are also advancing technology in oilseed rape, which in Europe represents the main source of plant-based biodiesel. 

In 2011, we again achieved strong growth as Eastern European growers increasingly recognized the potential of sunflowers as an export crop. While Russia and Ukraine account for half the world’s acreage, yields lag 30 percent behind the global average. We are helping to close the yield gap by showing growers the benefit of investing in hybrid seeds that outperform local genetics, as well as in crop protection to maximize their returns. 

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By contrast, Argentina, the second largest exporter, is already technologically advanced. Yields are double those in Russia. Since the acquisition of Monsanto’s sunflower business in 2009, we have gained further market share through speedy integration and by applying our local market knowledge to rapidly expand the available range. 

## Transforming the economics of sugar beet 

Sugar beet provides 30 percent of the world’s sugar and is also used in biogas and ethanol production. Biotechnology is transforming the economics of this crop, and the market has grown rapidly since the introduction of glyphosate-tolerant strains in 2008 and of improved seed treatments. Syngenta scientists have been working in partnership with the world’s largest producer of beet-derived sugar to modify the plant so that it can be sown in the autumn as a winter crop. This could significantly boost yields while improving growers’ water efficiency. 

## Creating future value 

Key areas of innovation in sunflowers include tackling broomrape, a virulent and fast-evolving parasite, through combinations of breeding and chemistry. We are also working to introduce new traits for herbicide tolerance and disease resistance, as well as output traits sought by the food industry such as high oleic content. 

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