Jul 27, 2022
Syngenta adds Global Vegetable Seeds Quality Control Lab in Idaho

Syngenta recently celebrated the opening of its $15 million Global Vegetable Seeds Quality Control Lab in Nampa, Idaho.

One hundred guests toured the lab on July 22. Syngenta’s investment in global seed health at the site expands on the $30 million Trait Conversion Accelerator, which opened in 2019.

The 37,000-square-foot quality control facility features state-of-the-art contained environment growth areas and precision testing that will enhance seed health in the global vegetable industry and for vegetable seed customers. In turn, work at the quality control lab in Nampa will support reducing the timeline from seed production to grower fields.

“We’re excited to spotlight our Nampa facility,” said Stacy Woodruff, global head of vegetable seeds production for Syngenta Seeds. “We have a global footprint, and this further expands our ability to bring the highest quality vegetable seed products to growers around the world. It expands our quality control capabilities, increasing efficiency and capacity.”

Phytosanitary standards in seed movement are paramount, and this global quality control lab ensures only the highest quality seed makes it into grower hands around the world.

“We have great science and great scientists, and this gives us greater capabilities in seed testing and development,” said Matthew Johnston, global head of Syngenta Vegetable Seeds and Flowers. “Our commitment to providing growers with high-quality, high-value seed persists, because it’s the foundation of the food system.”

Local Roots, Global Impact

Nestled in the Treasure Valley region of Idaho, the Nampa facility serves growers around the world. This new strategic addition to the site increases Syngenta’s flexibility and speed in which products go to market.

Syngenta’s investments also bring new technology and methodologies to improve turnaround times and accuracy for pest testing, such as:

  • Grow out trails – These provide an additional check for seed quality and can be required in certain regulatory processes.
  • Protein sampling – Analyzes samples for the presence of bacteria with precision and a two- to three-day result turnaround.
  • Molecular testing – Uses PCR-type technology to provide evidence of the presence or absence of DNA related to seed-borne pests with a one- to two-day window for results.

“We’re striving for global harmonization at our seed facilities,” Johnston said. “This means regardless of where seed is processed, we have the flexibility to move from lab to lab and country to country.”

The harmonized approach for seed production allows Syngenta to meet regulatory requirements for markets around the world, meaning growers worldwide can have access to its upgraded supply chain.

Why Idaho?

With hot summers and frigid winters, Idaho is an optimal location for seed production and research.

Nampa houses great potential to benefit consumers and growers around the world, with more than 90,000 seed packets processed through this facility alone. In addition, Syngenta partners with growers on 3,000 acres who grow 250 different crop varieties in Treasure Valley to provide seed for about 30,000 global acres.

Idaho is a critical producer of sweet corn and peas and is the No. 1 state in garden bean production.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is also widely respected around the world for its phytosanitary standards and programs regarding seed production. An Idaho stamp of approval carries weight globally, and along with seed testing and trialing, means clean seed from Syngenta can travel around the world.

—Syngenta


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