Michael Pragnell, CEO of Syngenta has been named as the new president of CropLife International – the global association for the plant science industry. The appointment, which takes effect today, will run for a term of two years.

Mr. Pragnell’s keynote address at the CropLife International annual conference in Brussels focused on the role of agricultural technology. He specifically outlined the current challenges facing the industry and proposed strategies for the future.

The following are excerpts from his address:

"Crop protection has had a significant role over the past four decades in feeding the world, reducing mortality and increasing the availability of fresh, healthy food -- there are those who would argue that our industry has made as great a contribution to human health as pharmaceuticals."

"Today the opportunity for us is even greater; in the developed world, we face an ageing population with soaring health preoccupations and costs, and consumers beset by health and dietary concerns. In the developing world, nutrition is critical. For the future, the promise of technology will allow our industry to become ever more active and effective."

"In considering our future mission I believe there is one overarching theme that can help guide our path ahead – consumer health, public health and global health issues."

CropLife International is the global federation representing the plant science industry. It supports a network of 75 regional and national associations and their member companies worldwide, led by companies such as BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, Dupont, FMC, Monsanto, Sumitomo and Syngenta. CropLife International promotes the benefits of crop protection and biotechnology products and their importance to sustainable agriculture and food production.