BASEL, Switzerland, June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Speaking today at the International Chamber of Commerce's (ICC) 6th World Chambers Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Syngenta CEO Mike Mack underlined the importance of agricultural technology in supporting the environment. "The role of science and technology must go beyond increasing productivity by also enabling us to safeguard nature. This will preserve land and biodiversity, and maximize water resources," said Mack. Mike Mack reminded the audience that "throughout time, biodiversity and a growing world population have had a fragile coexistence due to the basic human needs of food and shelter and rising living standards. Technology can play an increasingly critical role in alleviating these tensions." This is especially true for agriculture; technology will increase yields while avoiding the unnecessary cultivation of new land and will allow more efficient use of water. "The headlines from the past year on the food crisis have been replaced by those on the economic crisis. The economic climate has also changed conditions for many growers around the world. What has not changed is the long term nature of the challenge to produce enough food for tomorrow's needs and to do so symbiotically with the world we live in," Mack said. Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to http://www.syngenta.com/ or http://www.growmorefromless.com/. Syngenta International AG Media Office CH-4002 Basel Switzerland Tel: +41 61 323 23 23 Fax: +41 61 323 24 24 http://www.syngenta.com/ Media contact: Medard Schoenmaeckers Switzerland +41 61 323 2323 Analyst/Investor contacts: Jennifer Gough Switzerland +41 61 323 5059 USA +1 202 737 6521 John Hudson Switzerland +41 61 323 6793 USA +1 202 737 6520 DATASOURCE: Syngenta CONTACT: Media contact, Medard Schoenmaeckers, Switzerland, +41-61-323-2323; or Analyst/Investor contacts, Jennifer Gough, Switzerland, +41-61-323-5059, USA, +1-202-737-6521, or John Hudson, Switzerland, +41-61-323-6793, USA, +1-202-737-6520, all of Syngenta Web Site: http://www.syngenta.com/

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