Golden Valley, Minnesota
April 23, 2004

Syngenta Seeds announced its NK(R) Brand YieldGard(R) (Bt11 event) hybrids received regulatory approval for import as food and feed by China on April 6.  The final safety certificate granted by China complies with revised import regulations that recently went into effect. The decision keeps another export market open for biotechnology-enhanced Bt corn products raised by North American corn growers.

"An important part of our commitment to growers is continuing to invest in securing approvals necessary to keep markets, like China, open for future trade," said Jack Bernens, NK Brand marketing vice president, Syngenta Seeds.

"With corn stocks down an estimated 60 percent in China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture believes the country will make the shift from being a major corn exporter to an importer, providing a significant market opportunity for North American corn growers."

China joins a list of twelve countries, as well as the European Union, that recognize the biosafety of NK Brand YieldGard corn hybrids.  Korea has also recently approved NK Brand YieldGard corn hybrids for import.  NK Brand YieldGard products have been approved for feed and food use by the United States, Canada and Japan since 1997, and in the European Union since 1998.

These regulatory approvals are important in affirming the safety of Syngenta Bt corn products and in protecting vital trade markets for producers.

"In today's competitive marketplace, growers require genetic and trait options that expand profit margins and market opportunities," Bernens remarked.  "Acceptance by these countries not only sets an important precedent, but is also increasingly important with Bt corn planted on an estimated 25*  percent of the U.S. corn acres."

NK Brand YieldGard hybrids provide control of European corn borer, a pest that costs corn growers an estimated $1-$2 billion annually.

NK Brand YieldGard hybrids include LibertyLink(R) herbicide-tolerant technology, giving growers a weed-control option that can help prevent the development of weed-resistance issues.  Adding Cruiser Extreme(R) Pak CRW seed treatment insecticide provides protection from up to 14 pests, including corn rootworm and many secondary insects, as well as seed- and soil-borne diseases.

"Bottom line, we want to help farmers improve their profit with a successful crop that can be marketed anywhere," Bernens added.  "Research over the past nine years shows that using an NK Brand Bt corn hybrid provides an average 7.7 bushel per acre yield advantage.  With our broad portfolio of

insect-protected hybrids, farmers can choose the genetics that fit their farm, then add the appropriate insect, weed and disease options for a competitive edge in the global marketplace."

Syngenta (NYSE: SYT) is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2003 were approximately U.S. $6.6 billion. Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).

NK(R), Cruiser Extreme(R) and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
YieldGard(R) is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC.
LibertyLink(R) is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience.

*According to the National Corn Grower's Association World of Corn 2004.