Syngenta Univeg Italia

Crop protection and seed development company Syngenta and the Italian arm of leading fresh produce supplier Univeg have agreed to cooperate on a new project designed to offer consumers safe, high-quality products which have been procured in a way that also benefits producers and the environment in which they are grown.

During a special meeting held in Noicattaro near Bari, representatives from Syngenta Crop Protection and Univeg Trade Italia revealed they were looking to work with retailers who were 'more sensitive' to the idea of sustainability.

In the context of continued global population growth and the resulting increased demand being placed on agriculture, both companies said it was essential to develop and secure reliable sources of supply which could meet the market's need for responsibly sourced, high-quality produce.

Univeg Trade Italia is a major supplier to a number of European markets, including Germany, where its partnerships with major retail customers account for a sizeable proportion of its export business.

Working closely with Syngenta, Univeg confirmed it would seek to improve production processes further, starting with table grapes in Puglia.

Syngenta will offer expertise as part of its 'Responsible Agriculture' programme, as well as helping introduce its advanced integrated pest management techniques, referred to as IPM+.