DSM, Syngenta announce R&D partnership

DSM and Syngenta will collaborate to develop microbial-based agricultural solutions that focus on developing bio-controls, bio-pesticides and bio-stimulants.

The companies want to market products with naturally occurring micro-organisms globally for pre- and- post-harvest application to better protect crops. Biological solutions can protect crops from pests, disease and low-resistance and can enhance plant productivity.

The use of these solutions is expected to skyrocket to approximately 10 percent of the global crop protection market by 2030. Syngenta plans to complement DSM’s microbial database, discovery platform and experience in scaling and manufacturing of microbial products. Syngenta will also provide a dedicated research and development program.

 “Our society asks for sustainable solutions to safeguard food and nutrition security,"  Rob van Leen, chief innovation Officer of DSM, said. "With DSM’s bright science in the micro-organism field, we can help address this global challenge together with Syngenta and its specialized know-how and market access. We look forward to using our long-standing experience and leading competence in bio (process) technology to accelerate the development of biological solutions for agriculture.”
  
Trish Malarkey, head R&D Syngenta, spoke to the companies' goals of growing more food with less resources.

“New microbial-based solutions will contribute to meeting the challenge of producing more food from fewer resources, benefiting farmers, consumers, the environment and society." Malarkey said. "Our collaboration with DSM brings together breakthrough science and the ability to formulate and deliver biological tools on a global scale.”