Redefining Agricultural R&D Through AI

While artificial intelligence is often associated with consumer-facing tools like LLMs or image generators, Syngenta is utilizing the technology for much more complex tasks. The company is embedding AI into the core of its research and development processes, aiming to revolutionize how agricultural products are created and delivered to the global market.

Martin Clough, head of Crop Protection R&D Digital, Collaborations, and Sustainability at Syngenta, emphasizes that the primary goal is to provide farmers with highly effective, affordable, and timely solutions. According to Clough,

«What we're trying to do is bring differentiated innovation into the hands of farmers. The crop protection products we're working on must be substantially better than current offerings and provide greater value.»


The Role of Cropwise in Farm Management

A central pillar of Syngenta’s digital strategy is Cropwise, an integrated platform that has been incorporating generative AI for nearly two years. By leveraging over two decades of agronomic data—including historical weather patterns, soil conditions, and extensive yield records—the platform provides growers with actionable insights.

Andre Piza, global head of Digital Agtech at Syngenta, notes that the platform is designed to move beyond simple data storage to become a decision-making engine.

«Today in Cropwise, we are investing heavily in AI so we can go from the platform and solution journey to decision-making and support the grower with knowledge that he would not have otherwise,»
Piza explained. Every feature within Cropwise now integrates AI to assist in:

  • Improving on-farm productivity and strategic planning.
  • Optimizing machinery routes and work schedules.
  • Enhancing risk mitigation through precision operational data.
  • Simulating agricultural practices to identify the most efficient paths forward.

Accelerating Science and Predictive Modeling

Before products reach the fields, Syngenta’s R&D department uses AI to fundamentally alter scientific discovery. Clough highlighted four key areas where AI is making an impact: discovering new modes of action, creating holistic product profiles, predicting safety and performance, and streamlining data collection.

By utilizing generative models, researchers can conduct multi-parameter optimizations that previously took years, now completed in a fraction of the time. Clough compares this process to

«solving a Rubik's Cube on all six sides at once.»
This predictive capability allows the team to customize products based on specific farmer needs, such as cost constraints, regional resistance issues, and unique environmental challenges.

While the innovations currently under development are projected to reach the commercial market within five to ten years, Syngenta’s commitment to AI signals a shift toward a more responsive and technologically driven future for global agriculture.