Three Syngenta scientists honored by Crop Science Society of America

• Mary-Dell Chilton, Brent Godshalk and Palle Pedersen are recognized for outstanding contributions to crop science

• Syngenta scientists are the only private sector recipients of Crop Science Society of America 2011 honors Three Syngenta scientists are being honored this year by the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) for their contributions to crop science research. Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton, a Distinguished Science Fellow at Syngenta, will receive the CSSA Presidential Award. Dr. Chilton is credited with discovering the process that allows genes to be inserted into plants. Her groundbreaking work was foundational to the development of biotechnology traits that have improved crop yields by protecting plants from disease, insects, drought and other pressures. She founded Syngenta's biotechnology researchand development headquarters in Research Triangle Park in 1984 and continues to work on improving the technology for introducing new genes into plants. Syngenta's Head of Parent Traits, Dr. Brent Godshalk was inducted into the CSSA's 2011 Class of Fellows. CSSA Fellows are nominated by members of CSSA based on their professional achievements and meritorious service. The designation is an elite one as less than one percent of the Society's active and emeritus members may be elected Fellow. Among his many contributions to the field are his services as editor of the journals Crop Science and Agronomy Journal. CSSA is also recognizing Dr. Palle Pedersen, a seed care technology asset lead at Syngenta, with the 2011 Young Crop Scientist Award. Dr. Pedersen is the first Syngenta employee honored with this award. He was nominated for his contributions to the development of corn and soybean seed treatments at Syngenta, as well as for his active membership in CSSA and the American Society of Agronomy and his service as an associate editor for Crop Science. "These three outstanding scientists were the only CSSA honorees from the private sector," said Michiel van Lookeren Campagne, head of biotechnology for Syngenta. "The recognition of their work attests to the strong science culture at Syngenta, Syngenta's commitment to providing a great place for crop science to flourish and our focus on contributing to the body of knowledge that will help us meet global food security challenges." The CSSA awards will be presented at the Society's 2011 Awards Ceremony during its Annual Meeting held Oct. 16-19 in San Antonio, Texas. About Syngenta Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com. About the Crop Science Society of America The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), founded in 1955, is an international scientific society comprised of 6,000+ members with its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. Members advance the discipline of crop science by acquiring and disseminating information about crop breeding and genetics; crop physiology; crop ecology, management, and quality; seed physiology, production, and technology; turfgrass science; forage and grazinglands; genomics, molecular genetics, and biotechnology; and biomedical and enhanced plants. 10.18.2011