· Syngenta ranks as number 8 biotech employer in a survey conducted by Science magazine · 2011 marks third consecutive year company has ranked in the Top 20; second straight year in the Top 10 · Nearly 4,000 respondents rated companies based on 23 characteristics For a second consecutive year, Syngenta has ranked among the world's top ten biotech employers according to an annual survey conducted by Science magazine. The company finished as the number 8 employer in this year's survey, placing ahead of several industry competitors. "We are extremely honored to be recognized in this poll, especially since we were evaluated by our own employees and industry peers," said Michiel van Lookeren Campagne, head of biotechnology for Syngenta. "It makes me proud to know that not only are we recognized for our work in biotech research, but also for the type of company and employer that we are. Our dedicated employees and collaborative environment is reflected in accomplishments such as this." The results from the 2011 survey mark the third straight year that Syngenta has ranked as one of the 20 best biotech companies to work for in the world. In 2009, Syngenta made the list for the first time as number 20. Last year it broke into the top 10 for best biotech employer. The web-based survey, conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by the Science and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Custom Publishing Office, polled employees in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and related industries to determine the 20 best employers in these industries. This year nearly 4,000 respondents rated companies based on 23 characteristics, including financial strength, easy adaptation to change, and a research-driven environment. The complete rankings can be found online at the Science magazine website and in the October 7 print issue of Science magazine. Syngenta is an industry leader in R&D and invests about $1 billion per year in research and development, and employs more than 5,000 R&D scientists worldwide to develop new solutions for farmers. Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc. is a leading innovator and collaborator in plant genetics and serves as the global headquarters for plant biotechnology research and development for Syngenta. The company employs approximately 400 people at its campus in Research Triangle Park. In June of this year, the company broke ground on a new $71 million research facility in RTP. The 147,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in 2012. 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. 09.21.2011