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Improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers
Statement from the Executive Director
Even marginal farmers can participate in agricultural development if they can access up-to-date, science-based knowledge, quality inputs, and markets enabling profitable sales. This is the space in which the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture operates.
Our mission is to make a difference for smallholders in developing countries by enabling them to become more professional growers. We develop and source technology, working with the best resources in the global agricultural R&D community, and we support projects on the ground that provide dedicated extension services and marketing advice.
The task is as daunting as it is important, and we are only one actor among many. For impact, we partner with others – team work among like-minded individuals and institutions in many parts of the world is essential. There is broad agreement on what needs to be done. Differences of opinion sometimes arise as to the ‘how' and the ordering of individual priorities.
Agriculture will continue to be a fundamental instrument for development and poverty reduction in the decades ahead. The key group requiring attention are the hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Improving their prospects as farmers, and doing so in sustainable ways, is the task of the Syngenta Foundation. It is also my personal commitment.
Dr. Marco Ferroni
Executive Director
Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture