Syngenta AG (SYT)

Consumer and Government Resistance to Genetically Modified Organisms May Negatively Affect Syngenta’s Public Image and Reduce Sales

Syngenta is active in the field of genetically modified organisms in the seeds area and in biotechnology research and development in seeds and crop protection, with a current focus on North and South America. However, the high public profile of biotechnology and lack of consumer acceptance of products to which Syngenta has devoted substantial resources could negatively affect its public image and results. The current resistance from consumer groups, particularly in Europe, to products based on genetically modified organisms because of concerns over their effects on food safety and the environment, may spread to and influence the acceptance of products developed through biotechnology in other regions of the world, which could limit the commercial opportunities to exploit biotechnology. In addition, some government authorities have enacted and others in the future might enact regulations regarding genetically modified organisms which may delay and limit or even prohibit the development and sale of such products.

Consumer and Government Resistance to Genetically Modified Organisms May Negatively Affect Syngenta’s Public Image and Reduce Sales

Syngenta is active in the field of genetically modified organisms in the seeds area and in biotechnology research and development in seeds and crop protection, with a current focus on North and South America. However, the high public profile of biotechnology and lack of consumer acceptance of products to which Syngenta has devoted substantial resources could negatively affect its public image and results. The current resistance from consumer groups, particularly in Europe, to products based on genetically modified organisms because of concerns over their effects on food safety and the environment, may spread to and influence the acceptance of products developed through biotechnology in other regions of the world, which could limit the commercial opportunities to exploit biotechnology. In addition, some government authorities have enacted and others in the future might enact regulations regarding genetically modified organisms which may delay and limit or even prohibit the development and sale of such products.