Sources within Syngenta have confirmed with RealAgriculture the company will withdraw from pursuing commercialization of hybrid wheat in Canada and the United States. Sources added the company does not see a commercialization strategy that makes financial sense due to regulatory factors, commercialization issues and the royalty environment in both countries.
In an statement sent to RealAgriculture, Chris Davison, Syngenta’s head of corporate affairs, says:
“Syngenta continues to develop hybrid wheat. At this time, our priority is to fully support our European program to launch hybrid wheat in the next few years. In North America, where Syngenta has a market-leading position in varietal wheat, we will reduce our hybrid research and development and focus R&D investment on our competitive varietal portfolio.”
Davidson added hybrid wheat is an important development opportunity to the company as they believe it will deliver benefits to growers, as with hybrid barley.
“Following commercialization of hybrid wheat in Europe, expected in the next few years, we will then consider ramping up the hybrid wheat program once again in North America,” added Davison.
From an industry perspective, Syngenta was regarded as being the closest to market with hybrid wheat by competitors familiar with its activities.
A competitor wanting to remain anonymous summed up the decision by saying, “this makes it easier for everyone to review the viability of their own hybrid wheat programs.”
More information to come…
Related:
When is Hybrid Wheat Going to Happen?
Bayer Opens Wheat Breeding Station in Saskatchewan With Hybrid Wheat Focus
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