The welfare of animals used in research is of paramount importance. We aim to use them only where required and replace, reduce or refine their use wherever possible.

Syngenta operates in a highly regulated area. Regulations dictate that our products must go through stringent tests, some involving the use of animals, to ensure their safety. We recognize the use of animals in research is often an emotional and contentious issue.

Animal tests may be used to obtain valuable data for safety assessments. This is well regulated and conducted humanely and only when there is no alternative or where needed to meet legal or regulatory requirements.

Replacing and reducing
Being at the forefront of finding alternatives or refining animal tests is both ethically appropriate and good business, as this ensures that we are able to anticipate and influence regulatory demands.

Syngenta is a leader in this work and in 2003 one of our scientists was awarded the Society of Toxicology Enhancement of Animal Welfare Award.

Investing in alternative methods
Syngenta works with organizations such as The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods and Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments to develop alternatives and improve experimental protocols. We work with regulators to get new testing methods accepted and participate in international regulatory schemes to this end. We plan to increase participation in such schemes, which will further heighten our awareness of, and influence on, future regulatory demands.

Improving animal welfare
Refining research practices to reduce stress on animals both improves the welfare of animals used and can support research results by providing more accurate toxicology data.

We constantly enhance experimental protocols and have established an Ethical Review Committee. It aims to review all protocols used in the major areas of animal use over the next year.

Ensuring high standards
Most of our animal studies are conducted in the UK, a country widely recognized as having some of the worlds most stringent regulations for research using animals.

Our policy on the use of animals ensures the same high standards apply to work carried out around the world, including studies conducted by third party or contract laboratories. We shall continue audits at all Syngenta sites that conduct animal tests and major contractors that carry out tests on our behalf.