La Jolla, California
April 4, 2002

Syngenta (NYSE: SYT) announced today that scientists from the company's Torrey Mesa Research Institute (TMRI) have published their first major analysis of the rice genome. The draft sequence analysis -- published in the April 5 edition of "Science" -- provides a solid foundation for unlocking the secrets that can improve global crop production.

The Syngenta rice genome sequence analysis identified approximately 45,000 genes imbedded in the 420 million base pairs of nucleotides present within rice's 12 chromosomes. This analysis covers more than 99% of the rice genome at an accuracy level of 99.8%.

"The future of agriculture will be navigated using the rice genome map," said Dr. Steve Briggs, President of TMRI. "The Syngenta rice genome project is one of the most comprehensive and complete analyses of any cereal crop to date. Using this research, Syngenta can accelerate the development of new and innovative solutions for farmers and consumers around the world."

One of the key findings of the Syngenta rice genome sequence analysis is the similarity between the rice genome and the genomes of other major cereal crops - including corn, wheat and barley. Syngenta found that approximately 98% of the known corn, wheat, and barley genes are present in rice. Using this similarity has allowed Syngenta to map more than 2000 cereal traits on the rice genome.

Syngenta used a low-depth, random fragment sequencing strategy, commonly known as "shotgun sequencing," to ensure the broadest possible coverage of the genome at the lowest possible cost. The high level of coverage and high accuracy demonstrated using this method support the continued use of shotgun sequencing for other cereal crop genomes. The use of advanced genomic tools, coupled with thorough analysis of other cereal crop genome sequences, will help Syngenta speed the development of agricultural crop improvements.

"As a leading agricultural research company, the rice genome sequence will allow Syngenta to be at the forefront of providing farmers with innovative solutions and new crop products to serve a growing world population," said Dr. David Evans, Head of Research and Technology for Syngenta. "Genomic tools will assist our plant breeders in developing exciting new products that will help meet the food, health and safety challenges of tomorrow."

The Syngenta draft sequence is available to the public through the Torrey Mesa Research Institute's website. Academic researchers can access segments of the data on-line, via www.TMRI.org, or, with the consent of their research institution, request a CD-ROM containing the entire Syngenta draft sequence. Syngenta will work with public research institutions to produce a finished version of the rice genome that is 99.99% accurate. The finished version will be deposited in GenBank.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2001 were approximately US $6.3 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange and in London, New York and Stockholm.