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October 30, 2025 by

Syngenta Crop Protection celebrates 25 years of advancements that have redefined what’s possible in agriculture. This milestone builds on a legacy that started more than 250 years ago with the founding of Swiss chemical company Geigy. From cutting-edge crop chemistries and game-changing digital tools, Syngenta innovations have empowered growers across the country and helped shape the future of food production.

Let’s take a trip back in time to see where we’ve been and where we’re headed!

Where it all began…

1758: The Swiss chemical company Geigy is founded, beginning the legacy of Syngenta — a word derived from the Greek root “syn” and the Latin word “gens” to mean “bringing people together”.
2000: Novartis and AstraZeneca merged their agribusinesses to form Syngenta, the first global company dedicated solely to advancing the world of agriculture.

The wheels of innovation begin to turn…

2001: Callisto® corn herbicide is introduced, breaking massive barriers in crop-safe weed control. The same year, the digital AgriEdge® dedicated agribusiness partnership is launched, changing the game for growers and giving them actionable data long before the days of mainstream precision ag.
2002: Syngenta takes the lead in tackling herbicide resistance in the U.S., launching the nationwide Resistance Fighter® program in response to accelerating weed resistance to herbicides.

Growing our capabilities from the ground up…

2007: The Syngenta Seedcare Institute in Stein, Switzerland opens its
doors as the first global hub dedicated to advancing seed treatment science
and stewardship.

Kicking pests and taking names…

2009: Avicta® Complete Corn seed treatment is unveiled, delivering next-level seedling protection from early-season nematode, insect and disease damage. That same year, Science magazine named Syngenta as a Top 20 Biotech & Pharma employer.
Avicta Complete Corn 250 is a Restricted Use Pesticide.

Smart science meets sustainability…

2013: The Advanced Crop Lab, a first-of-its kind greenhouse and research facility, opens at the Syngenta RTP Innovation Center in North Carolina. Also
in 2013, our first global sustainability initiative is launched: The Good Growth Plan.
2015: Acuron® corn herbicide hits the market after EPA registration, setting a powerful new standard in broad-spectrum weed control for American growers. Several groundbreaking products with the same novel AI, bicyclopyrone, follow suit, including Acuron GT (2021) and Storen® (2023).
2015: SOLATENOL® technology, a breakthrough SDHI fungicide that provides long-lasting control against major diseases, is launched following EPA registration; brands include Aprovia® (2016), Elatus® (2016) and Trivapro® (2016).
2018: ADEPIDYN® technology receives EPA registration as a novel AI used to develop powerful new fungicides, including Miravis® Neo, Miravis Prime, Miravis Ace and Miravis Top.
Acuron is a Restricted Use Pesticide.

Transformations & new beginnings…

2016: The Syngenta Seedcare Institute opens its expanded U.S. facility in Stanton, Minnesota, driving continued innovation in seedcare technology.
2016: Women in Agribusiness recognizes Syngenta as employer of the year, and Syngenta acquires Ag Connections, LLC to accelerate its growth as a digital solutions provider.

Leading the world in next-gen solutions…

2020: Syngenta AG, ADAMA and Sinochem merge to form Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural innovation with smart science at the forefront. In the same year, Syngenta Group purchases Valagro, a market-leading producer of innovative biologicals — and an industry that is poised to double in size by 2025.
2020 – 2022: Saltro®, a breakthrough soybean fungicide seed treatment, CruiserMaxx® APX soybean seed treatment, and Tendovo® broad-spectrum residual soybean herbicide receive EPA approval, giving soybean growers new tools to combat diseases, insects and weeds.
2022: Syngenta Crop Protection AG acquires NemaTrident® and UniSpore®, two next-gen bioinsecticides from Bionema Limited, a leading biocontrol developer. The Cropwise™ digital farming platform is launched, featuring tools and services that optimize the farming operation and work together on one platform.
2023: Syngenta boosts its biologicals portfolio through key investments, including the formation of Syngenta Biologicals and the acquisition of a suite of natural products from Novartis. Also in 2023, Syngenta pioneer Mary-Dell Chilton is awarded the National Medal of Technology & Innovation, celebrating her groundbreaking contributions to ag biotech.

2024: First, Syngenta teams up with Enko® to harness the power of artificial intelligence to develop precision-targeted herbicide solutions in a safe, sustainable way. Then, a pivotal strategic partnership with McDonald’s USA and Lopez Foods paves the way to producing beef more sustainably in the U.S.
2025: Syngenta collaborates with PepsiCo to set up a rewards program for growers who commit to regenerative farming practices.
2025: Two crop protection technologies are anticipated to receive EPA regulatory approval:
PLINAZOLIN® technology – Will control broad-spectrum insect pressure with no known resistance or cross-resistance to other insecticides.
TYMIRIUM® technology – Will control nematode pests and disease.
PLINAZOLIN and TYMIRIUM are not yet registered for sale or use in the U.S. and are not being offered for sale.

But the journey doesn’t stop here! In a look toward the future, Syngenta remains committed to driving bold, groundbreaking innovation that helps growers and other ag professionals thrive, while sustainably feeding the world and protecting the planet for generations to come.

Follow the future of ag with us at SyngentaThrive.com

Acuron and Avicta Complete Corn 250 are Restricted Use Pesticides. For use by certified applicators only. Growers planting Avicta treated seed are not required to be certified applicators. Avicta technology is protected by U.S. Patent No. 6,875,727.
Avicta Complete Corn is an on-seed application of Avicta Complete Corn 250 alone or in combination with sufficient Cruiser 5FS insecticide to deliver 0.25, 0.50 or 1.25 mg ai/seed insecticide.

August 12, 2025 by

Today’s top colleges and universities offer a wide range of ag-related majors — each tailored to fit different strengths, passions and future career paths. Take a virtual trip to campus with us to see what’s new and what’s needed for the next generation of ag experts.

Right now, the industry is facing a shortage of:

Digital Ag Experts & Data Scientists

Biochemists, Plant Biologists & Plant Pathologists

Environmental Engineers

Crop Protection Specialists

“Through programs like Future Farmers of America and Agriculture Future of America, we can see that ag education is still sought after and embraced by students. Agriculture is such an important industry, and our careers are, in part, responsible for helping to feed the world.”  – Taylor Thornton, Syngenta Communications Manager

FINDING NEW NICHES

Ag is ever evolving — and so are related majors. These notable new offerings are quickly gaining momentum:

Regenerative Ag & Soil Science

Agricultural Automation & Robotics

Organic/Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems

Digital Agriculture & Urban Agriculture

“It’s important that we ensure agriculture-related majors and careers are accessible to people of all backgrounds and experiences, because sometimes the best perspectives and ideas can come from the most unexpected places.”

 

BLAZING THE BEST TRAIL

Based on current trends, industry needs and post-graduate placement statistics, these five concentrations are pulling ahead for 2025 and beyond:

 

  1. Agricultural & Biological Engineering
  • Overview: Both agricultural and biological tracks apply engineering principles to solve problems and develop new technology in ag/food production and natural resource management, focusing on improving efficiency and sustainability
  • Study guide: Coursework includes topics like engineering design & farm machinery mechanics, water-soil systems, renewable energy and bioprocesses; learning how to develop smarter equipment, more efficient irrigation and more sustainable infrastructure
  • Why it’s an A+ move: Strong job placement potential as more farms modernize; future careers in equipment design, renewable energy and resource conservation

 

  1. Precision Agriculture & Data Science/Analytics
  • Overview: In this field of study, students use technology and data analysis principles to enable data-backed decisions and systems that improve efficiency and productivity on the farm
  • Study guide: Leveraging tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing & drone/sensor applications, Internet of Things (IoT), predictive modeling and computer programming to optimize real-world ag practices and tools, from variable-rate applications and moisture mapping to automated scouting
  • Why it’s an A+ move: Addresses industry talent shortage, as more operations need analysts and technicians to help reduce costs and boost yields; with AI, robotics and digital farming on the rise, students in this field of study are set to lead the next ag tech revolution

 

  1. Crop Science/Agronomy
  • Overview: Students gain a foundational understanding of basic plant science, soil management, irrigation and crop production techniques, with opportunities to pursue careers both in and out of the ag industry
  • Study guide: Curriculum can include plant physiology, plant genetics and breeding, weed and pest management, soil fertility, ecology, environmental studies and sustainability
  • Why it’s an A+ move: High post-grad placement rate with likelihood for multiple job offers; strong crop protection industry need to combat weeds, insects, disease and climate change with sustainable solutions

 

  1. Biochemistry & Biotechnology
  • Overview: This degree blends the study of chemical processes in living organisms with technological applications that leverage biological systems, setting students up for success in careers developing new seed traits and sustainable crop protection technology
  • Study guide: Areas of study include molecular biology, genetics, biotech and bioinformatics, enzymology, chemical engineering and plant pathology
  • Why it’s an A+ move: Rising industry need for plant scientists and biotech experts will open many post-grad doors for innovators in R&D, seed labs, regulatory and more
  1. Agricultural Business & Economics
  • Overview: In this field of study, students learn essential business skills plus a foundational understanding of the ag industry in a rapidly evolving economy, preparing for careers that range from marketing and sales to ag policy and consulting
  • Study guide: Core business fundamentals (management, marketing, finance, accounting, supply chain, etc.), agricultural economics, trade economics, trade policy and crop production, with opportunities to study ag-related sciences (plant, animal, food)
  • Why it’s an A+ move: Extremely high post-grad placement; students equipped with the skills needed to manage supply chains, food security and changing regulatory policies are and will continue to be in high demand

SETTING A PATH FOR SUCCESS

For aspiring students looking to grow into a future-proofed career in ag, a few seeds of wisdom:

  • Expect emerging fields like precision ag and organic systems to increase in popularity and demand
  • Choose coursework that blends plant-focused science with tech or business training
  • Seek hands-on internships and volunteer work for experience and insights you can take to the field

College programs with strong placement + hands-on experience = a solid pathway straight to the field — and into successful roles with innovative ag companies like ours. Visit Syngenta-us.com/careers to explore available internships and future career opportunities!

© 2025 Syngenta. Thrive® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.

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    Product performance assumes disease presence.

    © 2026 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions and overtreatment stewardship practices. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. AAtrex 4L, AAtrex 4LC, AAtrex Nine-O, Acuron, Agri-Flex, Agri-Mek 0.15 EC, Agri-Mek SC, Avicta 500 FS, Avicta Complete Beans 500, Avicta Complete Corn 250, Avicta Duo, Avicta Duo 250 Corn, Avicta Duo Corn, Avicta Duo COT202, Avicta Duo Cotton, Besiege, Bicep II Magnum, Bicep II Magnum FC, Bicep Lite II Magnum, Callisto Xtra, Denim, Endigo ZC, Endigo ZCX, Epi-Mek 0.15EC, Expert, Force, Force 3G, Force 6.5G, Force CS, Force Evo, Gramoxone SL 2.0, Gramoxone SL 3.0, Karate, Karate with Zeon Technology, Lamcap, Lamcap II, Lamdec, Lexar EZ, Lumax EZ, Medal II ATZ, Minecto Pro, Opello, Proclaim, Voliam Xpress and Warrior II with Zeon Technology are Restricted Use Pesticides.

    Talinor is not yet registered for preemergence use on cereals in the U.S.

    Some seed treatment offers are separately registered products applied to the seed as a combined slurry. Always read individual product labels and treater instructions before combining and applying component products.

    Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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