The Science Behind Syngenta’s Commitment to Innovation
The pace of change seems to be increasing in every part of our world – agriculture included. That involves everything from communication technology to crop production practices, pests and climate change.
And that’s why Syngenta is focused on developing innovative technology. We’re using the power of science to build a sustainable future for your farm operation.
In Canada, that commitment to sustainable growth is what motivates Tara McCaughey, Syngenta’s Head of Technical Services. Growing up, she recalls lively conversations about environmental issues at the dinner table, led by her parents’ passion for the impact of climate change. This eventually ignited Tara’s own passion for agriculture, fueled by her studies at the University of Guelph.
After 25 years at Syngenta, that passion still burns bright for Tara McCaughey, who leads a team working to solve the unique challenges Canadian growers face. For Tara, helping growers produce the best crop involves more than technological innovation.
She’s also passionate that our agri-food system needs to be resource efficient, economically viable and environmentally sound.
“We often speak of return on investment at the field level,” she says, “but that’s not only about yield and optimizing inputs. It’s also about the efficiency of your on-farm practices. Your operation benefits from continuous improvement, the adjustments necessary to keep up with changing conditions and evolving technology. That’s one way you can manage risk in your operation.”
The value of protecting seed
In seed treatment innovation, Syngenta sets the pace with the help of the experts at its network of Global Seedcare Institutes, which are dedicated to advancing seed protection and stewardship. Seed treatments are one of the most advanced forms of crop protection technology, offering growers a targeted, environmentally sustainable pest management option.
Here at home, the Canadian Seedcare Institute studies how seed treatments can best protect your investment from below-ground diseases and insect pests. “At Syngenta, we’re always looking for innovations to help our customers grow their best crop,” Tara believes. “Great crops and great returns start with getting that seed out of the ground. Our Canadian Seedcare Institute works to ensure that our products meet the highest standards for application effectiveness, compatibility and seed safety.”
That intensive research has led to seed treatment technology such as Saltro®, a canola fungicide seed treatment for suppression of seed and air-borne blackleg. Saltro® is the first commercially available canola seed treatment to offer protection against airborne blackleg infection at the cotyledon stage.
We share a commitment to sustainability
Tara McCaughey believes successful, sustainable crop production needs more than healthy, protected seed. A shared commitment to sustainable crop production is essential. Growers do their part by adopting proven cultural practices like crop rotation, tillage systems, field hygiene and integrated pest management. Sustainable innovation is central to Syngenta’s approach to serving Canadian farmers. With that guiding principle – and that shared responsibility, we can expect good things to keep on growing in Canadian agriculture.
