RNS Number:3866N
Syngenta AG 
10 July 2003


            Media Release - Communique aux Media - Medienmitteilung


First hybrid barley hits the market

Basel, Switzerland  July 10, 2003

Syngenta announced today that the world's first hybrid barley variety has been
introduced in the United Kingdom.  The variety - Colossus - a conventionally
bred hybrid feed barley was approved earlier this year.  The new barley has been
specially bred for improved performance and demonstrates "hybrid vigor", which
translates into hardier crops and better yields.

Colossus will be sold in the United Kingdom as part of a first-of-its-kind crop
production program -- the Hybrid Barley System.  The System provides growers
with the benefits of the new variety, three market-leading crop protection
products - Syngenta's fungicides AMISTAR(R) and UNIX(R) and plant growth
regulator MODDUS(R), as well as a comprehensive growing program.  This program
incorporates know-how gathered from research trials conducted by Syngenta over
several years, under varied growing conditions. This powerful combination will
enable growers to get the best from the variety from the first year.

Syngenta's trials have demonstrated that the Hybrid Barley System delivers yield
improvements of 10% and more compared with standard barley varieties.

"Our new Hybrid Barley System provides a true benefit for growers," said Jeff
Beard, COO of Syngenta Seeds.  "The combination of this innovative hybrid with
our leading crop protection products and expert know-how will enable farmers to
get the most from each and every hectare."

Syngenta will market hybrid barley in Denmark, France and Germany once variety
approvals have been received.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2002 were approximately US $6.2 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in
over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in
London (SYA), New York (SYT) and Stockholm (SYN). Further information is
available at www.syngenta.com.



Photos are available at www.syngenta.com





Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by
terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', '
prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such
statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's
publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results,
changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form
part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any
offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or
Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefore.




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

PRLVBLBFXDBXBBZ