The European Commission announced today that it has adopted a decision to allow the use of imported Syngenta Bt-11 sweet corn as food in the European Union. The Bt-11 sweet corn has a built-in protection against corn pests. The decision does not include the approval of Bt-11 sweet corn for cultivation in the EU. Syngenta submitted the regulatory dossier for Bt-11 sweet corn as food in the European Union in November 1998.

This decision has no significant financial impact on Syngenta. The company will continue to sell conventional sweet corn to its customers.

Bt-11 sweet corn is approved for food use in the USA, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, China, Uruguay and South Africa. Additionally, Bt-11 sweet corn has been approved for cultivation in the USA, Canada, Argentina, Japan, Uruguay and South Africa. It is currently grown on a small number of acres in the US, Canada and Argentina.

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 2003 were approximately US$ 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).

For further information on Syngenta Bt-11 sweet corn please see:
www.syngenta.com/en/downloads/Bt_sweet_corn_update_5-04_final.pdf