RNS Number:5463Q
Syngenta AG 
06 October 2003


Media Release - Communique aux Medias - Medienmitteilung


EU re-registration of atrazine not granted despite favorable science review



Basel, Switzerland, October 4, 2003

Syngenta Crop Protection has learned that atrazine and its sister herbicide
simazine were not granted re-registration in the European Union (EU). Atrazine
and simazine are corn herbicides used by growers worldwide. This decision was
taken by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFA), the
EU regulatory body.

Syngenta regrets this decision as it overrides the science-based process for
product registration.

*        A favorable EU science review demonstrated the safety of the products
         to humans and the environment as part of the EU registration process.

*        Corn growers worldwide depend on effective and economic weed control;
         this has been safely provided by atrazine and simazine for over 
         45 years.

*        Syngenta continues to stand behind the safety of these products and
         will support them throughout the world.

In important European markets such as Germany and Italy where atrazine and
simazine are not sold, Syngenta already sells alternatives, which will be
extended to other European countries.  Although these are not equivalent
products, they will help mitigate the impact of the EU decision on corn growers.

Once the final decision of the SCFA is available for review, Syngenta will
carefully examine its options for atrazine and simazine in the EU.

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.






For further information please contact:

Michael Stopford, Basel, Switzerland            +41 61 323 68 19

Sherry Ford, Greensboro, USA                     +1 336 632 6107


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