GREENSBORO, N.C., USA,– In an era of lower commodity prices and tighter margins, growers are looking for ways to cut costs. But supply-chain experts advise them to remember the important value branded products offer when considering generic alternatives.
Research and development is one area where this value is reflected, said Jamie Eichorn, head of technical services at Syngenta. It can take more than 10 years and $100 million to bring a branded product to market. Each year, Syngenta invests almost $1.4 billion in R&D and employs nearly 5,000 scientists around the globe to provide new, improved technologies for growers. In 2016 alone, Syngenta will bring 16 new products to the U.S. marketplace.
“This is a dynamic, exciting time when you consider the number of new products we are bringing to market,” said Jamie Eichorn, head of technical services at Syngenta. “This is a clear benefit Syngenta provides, and it’s not easily matched.”
Active ingredients aren’t the only components that can affect a crop input’s performance, noted Tim Danberry, an agronomist with Crystal Valley Coop in Janesville, Minnesota. Inert ingredients and other co-formulants are also important.
“The biggest risk with a generic is that you have no clue what inactive ingredients the product contains,” said Danberry “That means you have no idea what you’re actually putting on your fields.”
Generic products also often require users to measure and mix additional products, but branded crop protection products offer complete solutions in one container.
“Growers like simple and easy,” Danberry said. “Generics aren’t always easy, and they can create too much room for error. I like Syngenta because all the work has been done for you, plus you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues.”
Unlike generics, branded products have strong networks of support standing behind them. For example, Syngenta has local sales representatives, field agronomists and a knowledgeable technical support team to work with growers when they need help and advice. And for immediate assistance, the Syngenta Customer Service Center is just a phone call {1-866-SYNGENT(A)} or
click away.
“If you need help with a Syngenta product right away, you’ve got a whole support system to help,” said Robert Templeton, a sales consultant with Crop Production Services in Sikeston, Missouri. “With generics, you’re on your own.”
Additionally, branded product suppliers offer careful forecasting and extensive distribution networks to make sure the right product gets to the right place at the right time. This proven reliability is more important than ever, considering that the whole U.S. corn and soybean crop can be planted in 10 to 14 days, weather permitting.
The value of branded products makes good sense from a return-on-investment perspective, according to Templeton. “Saving on the front end can easily cost you more in the long run,” he said. “This is a clear benefit that branded products provide over generics, and it’s not easily matched.”
For more information on how Syngenta is making a difference for growers and resellers, visit
www.syngentathrive.com.
About Syngenta
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit
www.syngenta.com and
www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter
® at
www.twitter.com/Syngenta and
www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS.
Media Contacts:
Wendell Calhoun
336.632.2649
wendell.calhoun@syngenta.com
Joel Richardson
919.870.5718
jrichardson@gscommunications.com
Related Links:
Syngenta US
Thrive
Twitter
Facebook
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as ‘expect’, ‘would’, ‘will’, ‘potential’, ‘plans’, ‘prospects’, ‘estimated’, ‘aiming’, ‘on track’ and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract there for.
©2016 Syngenta, 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27409. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Thrive® is registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.