Syngenta acquires Italian durum wheat seed firm

Syngenta has strengthened its presence in Italy with the acquisition of Società Produttori Sementi (PSB), a seed firm specialising in durum wheat breeding and production for pasta, for an undisclosed amount.

Based in the province of Bologna, PSB harvests durum wheat variants on 330,000ha, and also operates a 430ha farm.

The company also engages in other breeding programmes for crops such as non-durum wheat and alfalfa.

Through its global expertise and presence, the Swiss-headquartered firm plans to preserve and expand the PSB brand to enable global wheat growers to meet the increasing demand for pasta.

Syngenta COO John Atkin said that PSB combines the quality, tradition and innovation which are the hallmarks of the ‘Made in Italy’ brand.

"Its unrivalled durum wheat breeding expertise and its links to the food industry will be complemented by Syngenta’s leading-edge cereals R&D and global presence," Atkin added.

"Together we will accelerate innovation in high-quality durum wheat production, helping more growers prosper in the competitive Italian market as well as supporting international expansion."

Additionally, the companies will also share a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture through PSB’s ‘From Seed to Pasta’ programme, which will complement Syngenta’s recently launched The Good Growth Plan.

Syngenta is one of the leading chemical companies that markets seeds and pesticides, and has a workforce of over 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries.