How would you describe the current atmosphere in Argentina’s agricultural sector? Is there a renewed sense of optimism?
There’s definitely a renewed sense of energy, though it’s a mix of short- and long-term factors. In the short term, the campaign looks promising compared to last year—there’s good rainfall, better yields, and producers are optimistic about the upcoming wheat cycle. Even areas hit hard by drought or pests like the maize-spreading ‘chicharrita’ are seeing relief. There’s a real sense of momentum, because when it rains and there’s a chance to sow, spirits rise quickly.
Agriculture in Argentina resets every year, regardless of government policy or global prices. That said, commodity prices are currently low in real terms, which brings uncertainty. Producers are cautiously optimistic but want macroeconomic stability and long-term planning. Argentina’s agricultural potential is immense, but it can only be unlocked with sustained, future-oriented policies.
What are Syngenta’s priorities over the next five years to support this potential?
At Syngenta, we always plan in five-year cycles, because our core business—innovation—requires long timelines. Developing a new maize hybrid takes about 10 years; new crop protection molecules take 10 to 15. That’s why we focus on long-term trends: global population growth, climate change, energy transitions, and sustainable food production.
Argentina plays a key role in our global R&D strategy. It’s often the first country where we launch new technologies—like Miravis® fungicide, Plinazolin® insecticide, and Tymirium® seed treatments This reflects the strength of our local teams, a responsive regulatory environment, and a highly innovative farming community.
How is innovation transforming the way Syngenta operates today?
Beyond biological innovation, we’re also innovating how we work. Digitalization, AI, and geolocation tools are helping us make agriculture more sustainable and efficient. For example, through satellite imagery and mobile apps, we can now certify deforestation-free soy or regenerative sunflower oil production without the need for physical audits.
This year, we shipped sunflower oil to PepsiCo from georeferenced regenerative agriculture -that is, a farming practice that aims to improve the soil and the environment- plots. That’s only possible with tools like our Cropwise Sustainability app. These technologies solve a key paradox: how to produce more food on less land with fewer inputs, and in a climate-friendly way.
Syngenta is also investing in biologicals. What’s driving that?
Biological products are a critical part of our innovation pipeline. These are natural-origin products that work like agrochemicals but are more environmentally friendly. Since acquiring -Valagro, we’ve been investing heavily in this space, launching new products and learning alongside producers.
Biologicals are already making an impact. They’re part of our effort to reduce synthetic inputs, while still boosting yields. It’s all part of the same vision: applying science and technology to make agriculture both productive and sustainable.
Why is Argentina often the first market for Syngenta’s global product launches?
Argentina offers unique conditions: diverse geographies, excellent farmers, and a large-scale testing ground. Producers here are incredibly open to innovation. Argentine farmers are resilient and efficient, and .
are among the most innovative in the world. Technologies like no-till farming became standard practice here decades ago. And when we test technologies in Argentina, the scale makes the results meaningful and applicable globally.
What is your view on the Mercosur–EU agreement and its potential impact on Argentina’s agricultural sector?
It’s very positive. The EU is a demanding market, especially around certifications and sustainability. Meeting those standards helps Argentine producers become globally competitive. If you can meet European standards, you can meet any standard.
In a world where protectionism and trade barriers are growing, having new markets open up is extremely valuable. It also helps reinforce the story we need to tell: that Argentine agriculture is not only productive but sustainable—and ready for the world stage.
There is a lot of public debate around agrochemicals. How do you see that debate evolving, and what role does technology play in it?
The debate is similar here and abroad, though in Europe it tends to be more ideological. Argentina, as a net food exporter, must focus on producing what the world needs—safely and sustainably. The challenge today is not just producing more food, but doing so with less environmental impact, fewer inputs, and lower carbon emissions.
Technology is the only way forward. We’re now using AI to design new molecules that are safer, more efficient, and require lower doses. We can simulate and predict performance before even going into the lab. This increases success rates and reduces environmental risks.
How does Syngenta anticipate resistance to certain molecules and stay ahead?
Our upcoming herbicide launch in Argentina is a perfect example. We began working on it over a decade ago, anticipating resistance to existing active ingredients. That foresight is crucial—it allows us to address challenges before they become widespread. R&D is part of our DNA.
We also believe we need to communicate better. There’s a public misconception that agriculture harms the planet, but in truth, farmers and companies like ours are solving some of its biggest problems. We need to share that story with clarity and pride.
Do you think the agricultural sector in Argentina could grow as fast as Brazil’s, if conditions improve?
In surface area, no—Brazil is simply larger. But per hectare, Argentina has enormous room for improvement. Soybean yields have stagnated here for 15 years, while Brazil’s continue to rise. That’s a sign that with better policies and support, Argentina can catch up.
What’s more, Argentina’s temperate climate and superior soils require fewer inputs than Brazil’s tropical conditions. We don’t need to apply lime or gypsum to correct pH, and our pest management needs are lower. That means our agriculture is more input-efficient by nature.
What infrastructure is needed to unleash Argentina’s full agricultural potential?
Beyond good policies, we need better infrastructure—especially in connectivity. Rural internet and mobile coverage are critical for modern agriculture. Autonomous tractors, AI-enabled machinery, and real-time data platforms all depend on strong connectivity.
But it’s also about quality of life. Rural development—roads, education, healthcare, and digital access—is essential not just to produce more, but to retain and attract talent to the interior. The countryside can’t thrive unless people can thrive there too.
Finally, what self-reflection does the sector need to undertake to improve its voice and representation?
The agricultural sector in Argentina has long operated in resilience mode—surviving rather than thriving. That needs to change. It’s time to shift from survival to growth, and that starts with telling our story.
We need courage to speak up, explain what we do, and show pride in our contribution. We feed millions, we drive the economy, and we do it sustainably. But as a sector, we lack unified representation and strong communication. That’s our generational challenge—to bring agriculture to the forefront, to the cities, and into public conversation.
We have what the world wants: high-quality food, produced efficiently and responsibly, in a geopolitically stable region. Latin America is poised to lead in global food production—and Argentina, if it finds its voice, will be at the heart of that leadership.
