Syngenta Basel announced a five-year research collaboration with the
Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) in Beijing, China.
The agreement focuses on the identification and development of novel
agronomic traits including drought tolerance for key crops, including corn,
soybean, wheat, sugar beet and sugar cane. IGDB forms part of the Chinese
Academy of Sciences in Beijing and is one of China's leading biotechnology
research institutes.

Syngenta will have rights to commercialize previously and newly
developed traits in the agreed range of field crops. Under the agreement,
traits will not only be developed for the Chinese seeds market, but also for
global agriculture markets. Financial details of the agreement have not been
disclosed.

"We are extremely pleased to have IGDB as one of our research
partners", said Dr. David Lawrence, Head of Research and Development at
Syngenta. "The Institute has profound discovery research in genetics,
developmental biology and agricultural sciences. Its science base fits very
well with Syngenta's commitment to meet the high demand from farmers both
inside and outside of China for new seed products. Combining our technology
platforms will increase the speed of introduction of new and improved seed
varieties."

"The collaboration with Syngenta gives our Institute access to global
agriculture markets through integration of new traits in the Syngenta seeds
portfolio. This is an important step in our ambition to extend our research
programs beyond China", said Dr. Yongbiao Xue, Director at IGDB.

Syngenta and IGDB will commence their collaboration project with
immediate effect.

About Syngenta
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 2006 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta
employs around 19,500 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the
Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (NYSE: SYT). Further information
is available at www.syngenta.com.