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Lack of access to technology is particularly damaging to the world’s smallholder farmers. In order to feed the growing population, their collective productivity must increase substantially over the coming years. This will only be achieved through collaboration, partnership and collective action between all parties – business, NGOs, academia and governments – to provide access to technologies and markets, tools and know- how, as well as investment in infrastructure and agricultural development. A good example of the potential of such broad collaboration is in Tanzania where Syngenta is involved, along with other partners including the World Economic Forum and the Tanzanian government, in the SAGCOT project, a public-private partnership which is transforming agricultural productivity in an environmentally sustainable way in the south of the country. 

During the year, I visited many countries and met numerous growers, both large and small. I discussed with them the myriad challenges they face from climatic and environmental issues to economic and social pressures. My discussions not only reminded me of the complexity of growers’ lives but also left me optimistic that they can overcome these challenges if they have full access to innovative technologies, the right collaborations and partnerships, and a policy framework that encourages investment in agricultural development and infrastructure. 

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On my visits I also discussed the company’s new strategy with customers, stakeholders and employees and was impressed by the enthusiastic support for the integrated, crop and grower-centric approach that we are taking. The new strategy also has the full support of the Board of Directors who have worked closely with the Executive team on its development over the past few years. 

The Annual General Meeting in April will mark the retirement of two Board members, Pierre Landolt and Rolf Watter. They have both been members since the creation of Syngenta in 2000 and on behalf of my Board colleagues I should like to thank them for their wise counsel, guidance and support over the years. With their help and the hard work and dedication of its 26,000 employees, Syngenta has grown to become one of the world’s leading companies and is at the forefront of addressing one of the world’s greatest challenges. 

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3. Visiting sugar cane trials in Iacanga, São Paulo, Brazil. 

4. Discussing tomato growing; Unica Group farm in Almeria, Spain. 

