Syngenta 2009 Annual Review Healthcare Switzerland 4 actiOn Background: Syngenta is a large global Swiss agribusiness company which notably markets seeds and pesticides. Syngenta is involved in biotechnology and genomic research. The Company is a leader in crop protection and ranks third in total sales in the commercial agricultural seeds market. Syngenta employs over 24,000 people in over 90 countries and is listed on both the Swiss stock exchange and in New York. Their overall vision is to bring plant potential to life through world class science, global reach and commitment to customers in order to help increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. content review: The Report clearly outlines the global sustainability challenge of a growing population putting pressure on limited natural resources such as soil and water. This is a key point of focus for the Company and the business is uniquely positioned to help growers around the world to grow more from less. Much emphasis is given to the Company’s global presence and innovative offering as a significant contributor to the wider debate on sustainability. The global challenges are clearly set out on the first page of the Report, reinforced in the CEO’s review and then elaborated on in a section following, with the next ten pages of the Report structured around evidencing Syngenta’s contribution through case studies to: increasing yield through technology; improving crop quality; using natural resources effectively; and benefits for rural communities. The Report then reports on the different business areas in turn, which are followed by a section on research and development and people. The Group highlights include strategic goals, financial and business performance and corporate responsibility. Leading positions in the key global sustainability indices, DJSI and FTSE4Good, are highlighted and the Report contains four pages of corporate responsibility performance data structured around what appears to be their material issues. Annual Review 2009 Summary: The Report leaves you in no doubt that Syngenta’s business is focused on capitalising on ensuring food security of the growing population and therefore intrinsically linked to sustainability. Therefore there is an almost indivisibility between their financial, environmental and societal goals which is reflected in the Annual Review. The addition of performance data to support their contribution claims would be helpful. 38 The integrated journey
