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STEWARDSHIP OF CROP PROTECTION PRODUCTS |
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An essential way of life
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"Product stewardship is a key component of our sustainable agriculture, our commitment to stakeholders and the continued success of our business."
Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, Syngenta AG |
Around 40% of the
world's harvest is lost to pests, weeds and diseases. Crop protection
products help to ensure an abundant supply of healthy food, free
from pest damage and disease for consumers all over the world.
They help farmers get better yields, improve harvest quality,
decrease storage losses and reduce the arduous physical work needed
to do their jobs.
 Syngenta contributes to sustainable agriculture by delivering crop protection solutions and technologies that help to meet the increasing need for food while delivering economic, social and environmental benefits.
For Syngenta, looking after our products throughout their lifespan sound product
stewardship is a vital part of the equation. Morally and ethically, we know
it is right. There is a strong business case too; however strong our safety evaluation
is before our products reach the market, as a company, we want to sustain our
business in a way that protects the health of people as
well as of the environment.
Product stewardship is ongoing
Stewardship starts before the product comes to market. Our products are only sold after thorough scientific evaluation to the highest standards and review of extensive data by regulators.
When our products are on the market, the task is not over we monitor continuously, we employ scientists to carry out ongoing research, we review scientific literature, and if there is new data indicating a problem, we take action. As well, we consult regularly with governments, regulatory bodies, food companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and farmers to ensure we understand and address their concerns. There is never an end point to our safety evaluation.
Our responsibility continues even when our products are out of patent. Syngenta continues to take the lead in stewardship of our longer-established products, even where there may be many competitors marketing the same compound.
Stewardship extends to how we transport and store our products, ensuring contractors have adequate safety information and access to 24 hours emergency response services. All our warehouses meet international standards.
When used according to the instructions we provide on every pack, there will be no harm as a result of our products. However we recognize concerns can arise problems of user safety, pest resistance, residues in food and the environment and managing packaging and obsolete stocks.
At Syngenta, good stewardship aims to manage and reduce possible undesired effects
of our products. It's about being careful custodians of our products ensuring
that they are used safely without causing harm to people, animals or the environment.
It means knowing what the benefits and risks are, and managing them appropriately
whether in creating and developing a product, or once it is out in the market
and beyond. It means knowing what happens once our products are outside our direct
control - and managing those challenges responsibly and ethically. It means having
the courage to recognize that problems exist, and the responsibility to deal
with them effectively.
It's an essential way of life.
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