THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

October 22, 2003

PhD Students to Benefit From Syngenta Gift

Outstanding PhD students doing novel research in sustainable agriculture will benefit from a gift to the Campaign for the University of Guelph from Syngenta Crop Protection Canada Inc.

Syngenta has provided a $200,000 endowment for doctoral scholarships, available to students conducting research in sustainable agriculture in areas such as environmental quality, resources management, integrated pest management, new technologies, economic viability and rural community sustainability. The $5,000-per-semester awards will be available in the fall of 2004 and matched by funding from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program. Award winners will excel in their research work and their ability to serve as mentors and leaders to other students.

"We are delighted with this generous donation," says OAC dean Craig Pearson. "It's a solid endorsement of our strength and leadership in the agri-food sector and as a student-centred, research-focused university. It will significantly strengthen graduate student engagement in agricultural sustainability and attract the best students to Guelph."

Syngenta president Jay Bradshaw calls the gift "an investment in the future of agriculture. Syngenta's focus is on sustainable agriculture, which requires a balance of farming practices that are environmentally sound, socially responsible and economically viable. Innovation is an important component of that process and in ensuring that Canada remains competitive in the world's agricultural markets. This endowment will help provide enhanced access to the knowledge and technology that allow researchers to discover new opportunities in agribusiness."

Syngenta Canada Inc., which has offices in Guelph's Research Park, is a division of Syngenta, a world leader in innovative crop protection and seeds research. The company employs some 20,000 people in more than 90 countries.

It also established the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture and the Syngenta Research Centers of Excellence to promote new research and sustainable development around the world.