Syngenta and Tanimura & Antle create fresh produce venture in USA

Basel, Switzerland, 23 March 2004

Syngenta and Tanimura & Antle today announced a new partnership to deliver premium quality produce to consumers. The joint venture, Dulcinea Farms, LLC., will market Dulcinea™ branded produce items including the PureHeart™ miniature seedless watermelon and a new ultra sweet Tuscan style cantaloupe. In 2004, Dulcinea™ produce will be available throughout the US and Canada.

Syngenta is contributing expertise in genetics, breeding, and crop protection to Dulcinea Farms for a majority interest in the venture. Tanimura & Antle is contributing its experience as a leading grower and distributor in the US.

“The partnership underscores our commitment to capturing downstream value in the highly attractive fresh produce market,” said Jeff Beard, Chief Operating Officer of Syngenta Seeds. “Dulcinea Farms is designed to deliver unique fresh produce with consistently high quality to consumers.”

“This partnership is a first for the produce industry,” said Rick Antle, Chief Executive Officer of Tanimura & Antle. “By starting with carefully chosen germplasm, then following exacting protocols in the growing and distribution process, Dulcinea Farms will build upon each partner’s strength to deliver premium products.”

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 2003 were approximately $6.6 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

Tanimura & Antle was formed in 1982 by the Tanimura and Antle families. They combined their more than 50 years each of experience and knowledge to establish a produce company unrivaled in its quality products, as well as innovation and dedication to growers, customers, consumers and employees. The company was incorporated in 1988 and today farms over 40,000 acres in the United States and Mexico. Tanimura & Antle has manufacturing facilities in California, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, and Quebec and ships a full line of premium fresh produce and value-added products throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Further information is available at www.taproduce.com.