Syngenta to build £100m crop science centre in UK

Global crop protection and seeds firm Syngenta has confirmed it is building a £100m agricultural research facility at its Jealott’s Hill site in Berkshire, which is due to be fully operational by 2028.

Syngenta claims it will deliver the latest advances in “biological sciences, molecular and analytical research and digital innovation to shape the future of sustainable agriculture”.

Its Jealott’s Hill research and development site is already the largest agricultural research centre of its kind in the UK.

The new facility is set to bring together roughly 300 scientists to develop crop protection solutions.

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Camilla Corsi, global head of crop protection at Syngenta, said: “We are focused on creating a more productive and sustainable future for agriculture.”

Researchers will use artificial intelligence to accelerate the development and delivery of crop protection products.

Syngenta says these will protect crops more effectively, reduce environmental impact and strengthen farming systems in a changing climate.

Defra farming minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Syngenta’s investment in the new BioSTaR [Biological Sciences Technology and Research] facility at Jealott’s Hill is a clear vote of confidence in the UK and our world-leading agricultural science.

“This government is backing agri-tech growth and British farming, investing £345m in grants for equipment and innovation to help farmers grow food more sustainably while protecting the natural environment and building a profitable, resilient future for the sector.”

Department for Business and Trade investment minister Lord Stockwood added that the facility would help create next-generation sustainable agricultural solutions for farmers.