Netherlands-based facility becomes part of the vegetable seed company’s global network of quality control labs
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds has announced the opening of a new US$9mn state-of-the-art Seed Health Lab in Enkhuizen, Netherlands.
According to the company, the facility further bolsters its global quality control capabilities.
The group said it had invested nearly US$30mn since 2022 in building a worldwide network of vegetable Seed Health Quality Control labs of excellence in the US and India.
The new lab in Enkhuizen represents a significant investment in seed health and technology, Syngenta noted, and is designed to meet the constantly evolving challenges around seed health in global seed production and distribution.
The laboratory houses both the seed health new protocols development team as well as the routine seed health team, which performs testing related to Syngenta’s main processing facility in the Netherlands.
Seeds tested at the new facility will serve customers all over the world, it confirmed.
“Quality control is the foundation of farm production and global food supply chains,” said Matthew Johnston, global head of Syngenta Vegetable Seeds & Flowers.
“By investing in cutting-edge quality control infrastructure, we’re not just delivering seeds; we’re providing growers worldwide with confidence in what they’re planting.
“This facility is a testament to our vision of supporting sustainable agriculture and food security through innovation and uncompromising quality,” he outlined.
The Enkhuizen facility features ”world-class” technologies for bacterial, fungal, and virus disease testing, ensuring that only the healthiest seeds reach growers’ fields.
Syngenta explained that the investment comes at a time when the seed industry faces increasing challenges from emerging pathogens.
The new lab will enable Syngenta to evolve its technologies rapidly in response to these threats, safeguarding business continuity and customer service.
“Our passion is to consistently deliver high-quality seeds to our customers,” said Erik Postma, global head of quality management at Syngenta Vegetable Seeds.
“This new lab in Enkhuizen represents a significant leap forward in developing more rapidly our seed health testing capabilities and its routine operations in our global QC footprint.
”With advanced molecular testing and standardised protocols, we’re now better equipped to manage the complex landscape of the many potential pathogens across our diverse crop portfolio,” Postma continued.
”This facility will play a crucial role in our global quality control network, ensuring we can rapidly respond to emerging phytosanitary challenges and maintain the highest standards of seed health.”
Syngenta confirmed that the Enkhuizen Seed Health Lab will be aligned with international accreditation programmes and phytosanitary standards, supporting the efficient global movement of seeds and reinforcing the company’s role in promoting seed health across the industry.
