Why do you see Syngenta’s participation with Wheat Growers a good fit?

Syngenta values its long-standing relationship with the Wheat Growers Association. We share a common dedication to the agriculture sector and to the success of Canadian growers. We view the WGA as a valuable partner in discussing and advancing important policy topics that impact growers. We are aligned on policy positions that look through an economy-wide lens to understand competitiveness and growth in our sector while rewarding and supporting growers for good stewardship of their land and environmentally friendly practices. We also strongly believe that federal sustainability strategies should not increase a growers’ regulatory burden or necessitate higher costs. Sustainability strategies should be grounded in regional solutions that take into account growers’ perspectives.

Furthermore, we are aligned in the belief that science-based decision-making is vital. By working collectively, we can protect the tools and technologies needed by growers to continue to grow safe, healthy, and abundant crops in the face of climate challenges.

From your perspective why is it important to be a sponsor of the Wheat Growers?

It’s important for Syngenta to support organizations that are willing to collaborate and advocate on behalf of members and for Canadian agriculture. We’re glad to sponsor WGA to ensure that it can continue its advocacy efforts that contribute to industry success. Getting involved has also enabled Syngenta to be part of the WGA community and connect with our grower customers in new ways. Through WGA’s various communications vehicles, events, and programming, we are able to stay on top of information that is important to growers.

Where do you see the value proposition back to Syngenta through sponsorship of Wheat Growers?

The value back to Syngenta is two-fold. First, our WGA sponsorship enables us to connect with Canadian growers – many of whom are our customers. It’s important to understand their needs and priorities so that we can provide them with the products and expertise they value. Secondly, we appreciate WGA for its work in driving positive policy for farmers with a unified voice. Together, we must continue to push for science-based policies that enable innovation and a rules-based international trading order that allows Canadian agri-food products to protect our food supply and make their way around the world to those who want and need them.

Is there anything else you want readers to know about Syngenta? 

Syngenta is committed to Canadian wheat growers by bringing forward innovative products and services in crop protection, seedcare, biologicals and digital tools. Our technologies enable farmers to maximize crop productivity.

We work alongside WGA in advocacy efforts, lobbying provincial and federal politicians and engaging with the government. In addition to these joint efforts, we support the entire industry to advocate by hosting programs such as Leadership At Its Best™, designed to enhance leadership in industry associations.

At Syngenta, we believe that by investing in our industry and in our employees, we’re investing in the future and driving success for our customers. We are a progressive, people-first employer who believes that equity, diversity and inclusion is critical to the success of our industry. We also acknowledge that technological, generational, and social shifts are influencing work, workforces, and workplaces. Our efforts in these areas will help to attract the right talent and unlock the potential of Canadian agriculture.

Can you describe Syngenta’s direction and vision for the future?

At Syngenta, we are optimistic about the future of our industry and are committed to helping growers be successful. We will continue to expand our offerings to meet the future needs of farming and to advance the industry overall through collaboration and advocacy. We also see data and digital technology to be an important aspect of farming, both in helping farmers make decisions but also to enable us to tell our story to regulators, import countries, and the public. Additionally, as an employer, we will need to attract new talent from both within and outside of agriculture.

As a net food exporter, we expect there will be more pressure on Canadian agriculture to contribute to food security globally. Fortunately, we’re well-positioned to rise to this challenge. Not only do we have a worldwide reputation for producing safe, sustainable, and high-quality food, we have the farmland, farmers, technology, and research capacity to be part of the solution to global food insecurity.