Washington, DC
July 26, 2002

Syngenta Corporation, a leading global agribusiness, today announced a donation of $200,000 to the National FFA Organization to support a new program targeted to the recruitment, retention and recognition of teachers in agricultural sciences.

"Our vision at Syngenta is to deliver better food to a better world through innovative crop solutions for growers and the food and feed chain. 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 to partner with FFA on this important effort to strengthen the agriculture education profession in North America."

Agriculture Education Programs Face Teacher Shortage

While a small percentage of the U.S. population actually lives on farms today, more than 20 million Americans are indirectly involved with the agriculture and food industry. And, as those involved with the agriculture industry get farther away from the farm, the need for comprehensive education programs in agricultural sciences increases.

"Unfortunately, the biggest challenge facing agricultural education today is a shortage of qualified teachers," said Dr. Colien Hefferan, administrator, U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service. "A number of promising programs have closed for lack of an available teacher. And, nearly one-fourth of teachers in agriculture programs today have less than five years experience. There is a need for continuing education, mentoring and other programs to help these young teachers succeed."

The sponsorship will support production and distribution of a number of training and support materials for current and potential agriculture educators, as well as new state and national awards programs to encourage, recognize and reward teachers who excel in teaching the agricultural sciences.

There are more than 11,000 teachers involved in agriculture education in the United States today, providing integrated instruction in agricultural sciences, farm mechanics, horticulture, animal science, environmental science and other curricula. The students who benefit from agricultural education hail from across the United States. For example, of the more than 450,000 members of the FFA -- the youth organization that develops leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education -- nearly 75 percent live in rural, non-farm areas or suburban and urban areas.

"The key to success with improving the future for agricultural education is partnerships between the public and private sectors -- between the educators, government bodies, organizations and businesses that are focused on agriculture," said Dr. Larry Case, coordinator of Agricultural and Rural Education for the U.S. Department of Education and National FFA Advisor. "We hope this agriculture education program, sponsored by Syngenta, will be a model for how such partnerships can work," Case added.

Through the new program, career assessment tools for both high school and collegiate students will be developed to highlight the benefits of a teaching career in agriculture. Also, a number of tools will be produced to provide current ag teachers with "best practices" and resources to help them be more successful in their classrooms. A highlight of the program will include an award program that will result in one teacher representing the profession and receiving a trip to Switzerland to visit Syngenta headquarters. The teacher will also be asked to participate in a U.S. media tour to promote the importance of agriculture education.

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.