Investment in NK Shows Commitment to Retail Seeds Brand

Retailers and growers will have even more choice and greater value through a reinvigorated NK^® seeds brand after Syngenta announced a comprehensive, long-term commitment that includes boosting research and development, expanding staff, and increasing retailer support in the U.S.

As part of the investment, the number of plant breeders will increase by 50 percent and the number of product selection leads will increase by 38 percent. In addition, trialing will expand by 30 percent.

“We expect to develop and deliver game-changing innovations that will keep improving growers’ performance—innovations like NK hybrids featuring Agrisure Duracade^® 5222 E-Z Refuge^® that offer the ultimate trait stack of premium insect control, choice and simplicity,” says David Hollinrake, president of Syngenta Seeds.

Retailers and growers will also see an expansion of dedicated NK staff already underway: Through 2018, NK sales and agronomy teams will triple in size.

“By increasing our investment not only in research and development, but also in our people, we’re able to provide greater local support and enable our retailers to better serve their growers’ needs and deliver greater value.”

“At a time when many in the industry are consolidating and challenged with cost cutting, we believe that by taking a firm stand on our intentions, we will earn the confidence and support of retailers,” says Quinn Showalter, head of NK sales. “By increasing our investment not only in research and development, but also in our people, we’re able to provide greater local support and enable our retailers to better serve their growers’ needs and deliver greater value.”