GDM, one of the largest multinational plant breeding companies responsible for 41% of all soybean seed production worldwide, has taken another important step toward internationalizing its operations.

With the approval of new soybean technologies in 2021, the company started registering
13 varieties from Brazil. Three are scheduled to launch later this year due to the agreement between GDM and commercial partners. Such an initiative will leverage the expansion of the company’s genetics in this territory.

According to The Business Leader for Africa, Asia, and Europe, Thiago Schwonka, this action will boostthe sustainable development of South African agribusiness. As part of GDM’s strategy for the country, the company has invested in the R&D program to generate new varieties and expand its portfolio.

In this initiative, producers will have access to more technology and better performance, which will gradually increase productivity in the field, thus increasing South Africa’s role in the global production of oilseeds. “This is a game changer in this market, and we expect to launch two varieties of soybeans per year.

We will increase the productivity of South African crops through the genetic potential of
our varieties, available through DONMARIO Seeds. Therefore, we will collaborate with the country’s development”, he says.

The executive also points out the possibility of pre-launching the first wheat varieties with GDM genetics already in the next crop. Since 2019, the company has been investing in the research and development of this type of cultivation in the country, and by 2027, the expectation is to get 20% share of this market.

“Material that performs well in Argentina is also tested in South Africa due to similar latitude and climatic conditions. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the work with wheat and soybean harvested over the years is satisfactory”.

In this last harvest, the company stood out as the leading provider of plant genetics in South Africa, and the goal is to expand market share in a territory that is constantly changing crops due to the appreciation of the soybean commodity and increased costs of corn, the main crop worked in the country.

By 2027, the goal is to expand its participation in the soybean market.

Focus on food security

The South African government has an extensive program to promote the installation of foreign (seed) companies in the country called the EPR (End Point Royalty), which encourages companies to invest in research and development programs and assists in the protection of the certified seed market, contributing to the food security of the population.

GDM has supported EPR since 2019 as the initiative aligns with the company’s vision of working across extensive crops in all relevant markets worldwide. “We want to collaborate for the development of the country with a broad portfolio of high-performance materials, from different cultures and to the various agricultural regions.

We believe in the potential of our germplasm and how it can significantly impact South African crops, together with new technologies,” Schwonka points out.

Excellence in research
Globally, GDM is a leading innovator in plant breeding; it provides germplasm for 41% of all soybean production in the world, investing heavily in research, development, and commercialization of many varieties and crops. Around $400 million was allocated to research in Brazil in 2022 alone.

More than 1,200 employees are employed at the company worldwide, with more than 500 exclusively dedicated to R&D. A total of 64% of Brazilian employees are involved in R&D.
The company is already known as one of the world’s leading providers of soybean genetics.

For this, it seeks to deliver the most advanced to multipliers and producers to ensure productivity gains and profitability of its planted areas. GDM’s breeding program intends to develop products with broad productive potential, producing more within the same location.

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Syngenta Group announced today the launch of “Shoots by Syngenta,” a global platform designed to help tackle agriculture’s most complex challenges, increase innovation, and advance more sustainable agriculture.

Starting with science-based innovation challenges, the platform will connect scientific discovery and creativity, bringing together academics, research institutes, startups, and cross-industry sectors to collaborate with Syngenta’s global network of 5,000+ scientists.

Shoots by Syngenta” will also include a startup accelerator, providing a supportive ecosystem for early-stage companies developing new agricultural technologies. Cohorts of startups will enter a program connecting them with mentors, resources, and funding to accelerate their growth and impact.

Over the last 70 years, agricultural innovation has made it possible to feed 5 billion more people on almost the same amount of land. But by 2050, 2+ billion more people consuming 50% more food will require a faster innovation pathway for technologies that are practical and scalable. Innovation through collaboration plays an increasingly important role in providing these solutions for farmers dealing with growing threats from pests, disease and extreme weather conditions.

“Helping growers sustainably feed a rapidly growing human population requires a strong collaboration focus, not just across agriculture but across industries,” said Gusui Wu, Global Head of Seeds Research. “Collaboration is at the heart of how our scientists approach innovation every day. It’s embedded in our scientific culture, and we are continually seeking out different technologies, solutions and partners to help us better serve farmers.”

“Shoots by Syngenta” will spotlight specific innovation needs from across the Syngenta Crop Protection and Seeds businesses. Science-based innovation challenges will be posted on the website, enabling anyone with a scientific interest to submit proposals in response to the challenges or other areas of focus. Proposals are quickly evaluated, and if there is a mutual fit, they are progressed to a collaboration partnership to take forward the research or technology that might eventually be licensed.

“We know that science holds the answer to the challenges we face, so we’re open to sharing and helping others benefit from our world-leading findings and experiences,” says Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research for Syngenta Crop Protection. “Shoots by Syngenta gives us gives access to real, proven data and insight, which can inform and accelerate future science-led breakthroughs.”

Additionally, the startup accelerator will provide early-stage companies the opportunity to pilot their technology at Syngenta’s Farm of the Future and select grower farms globally, mentorship and access to industry experts, and an opportunity to present and test ideas with relevant business leaders and investors. Participants will get one-on-one mentoring by Syngenta business leaders that is customized based on each team’s specific requirements.

“Our vision is to create an ecosystem that drives innovation and collaboration in the agricultural industry, creating a more sustainable and efficient future for farmers, consumers, and the planet,” said Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta Group. “We believe that the most promising solutions to global food security, sustainability, and productivity will come from bringing together innovative and technology-driven start-ups with growers and industry experts.”

Leaders from Syngenta Group will be present at this week’s World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and the IUPAC International Congress of Crop Protection Chemistry to engage with fellow innovators and share more on “Shoots by Syngenta.”

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