Syngenta is taking action to create a universal standard for global communication of its Cruiser® seed treatment portfolio. Beginning with the 2007 planting season, most insecticide/fungicide combinations will carry the CruiserMaxx™ brand name followed by an appropriate crop descriptor for added brand clarity and simplicity.

Under the new brand architecture, CruiserMaxx Pak for soybeans will become CruiserMaxx Beans, and Cruiser DM Pak for sunflowers will become CruiserMaxx Sunflower. As new seed treatment insecticide/fungicide combinations are introduced, they will follow a similar naming structure. For example, in late 2006 a premix combination of Cruiser and Maxim® 4FS will debut for potatoes as CruiserMaxx Potato.

The one exception is Cruiser Extreme® in corn. After extensive market research, Syngenta Seed Treatment has determined that the recognized and trusted Cruiser Extreme brand name should be maintained in the United States corn market. For added simplicity a loading rate descriptor will follow the brand name. Specifically, Cruiser Extreme Pak will become Cruiser Extreme 250, and Cruiser Extreme Pak CRW will become Cruiser Extreme 1250.

This new, more consistent naming strategy has come about as advancements in technology and communication have drastically changed the speed and atmosphere of the global marketplace, demanding worldwide name recognition of Syngenta seed treatment brands.

"After testing new branding concepts with growers, we learned they clearly favored the new branding strategy that Syngenta is adopting due to its simplicity and clarity," said Ryan Klaveano, global Cruiser brand manager for Syngenta. "It is the hope of Syngenta that implementing this universal naming system will add greater understanding about the names of our seed treatment products worldwide. For example, adding Maxx after Cruiser will assure growers know that one of the most well-known insecticide brands around the world has been paired with one of Syngenta's trusted fungicide packages. Regardless of these changes, Cruiser remains the same trusted and proven brand growers have come to rely on for advanced crop performance."

Syngenta 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 2005 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).