Tallahassee, Florida
April 15, 2003

Jodi Geiger, the first Syngenta Advocate for Agriculture Education, was recognized this month by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida State Cabinet for her work to support agriculture education.

Jodi Geiger is an agriculture education teacher at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona, Florida where she is active in helping her students identify prospective careers in agriculture and learn from hands-on experience about the industry.

Syngenta Corporation, a leading global agribusiness, has donated $400,000 to the National FFA Organization to support programs targeted to the recruitment, retention and recognition of teachers in agricultural sciences. The highlight of the program is the selection of one agriculture teacher, among the 12,000 nationally, as the Syngenta Advocate for Agriculture Education.

"The continued success of agriculture depends on education of crop producers and of the people who support them in their jobs," said Bob Woods, chairman of Syngenta Corporation, U.S. "We are pleased that Jodi Geiger has accepted the role of teacher advocate to help bring awareness of the important role agriculture plays in our society. We congratulate her on her recognition from the State of Florida."

According to the Florida proclamation "the Syngenta Advocate for Agriculture Education award honors one agriculture teacher nationally for conducting the highest quality education programs and based on her extensive leadership in civic, community, agriculture/agribusiness and professional activities, Jodi Geiger is the first recipient of the award. The Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida extend congratulations and best wishes to Jodi Geiger."

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2002 were approximately US $6.2 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.