New biological partnership boosts crop performance and carbon income
Syngenta and Groundwork BioAg have formed a new partnership aimed at helping farmers improve crop performance while building healthier soils and creating additional income opportunities.
The agreement brings together biological crop technologies and soil carbon solutions designed to support sustainable farming practices. Under the partnership, Syngenta will commercialize mycorrhiza-based biological products and carbon-focused solutions under its own brand, while Groundwork BioAg will manage manufacturing, supply operations, digital tools, and carbon program development.
The initiative will initially focus on major crops including corn, soybeans, cereals, and sunflower production in Latin America and Europe. The companies expect solutions to help growers increase nutrient uptake, strengthen plant resilience, and improve productivity.
“The model we've built with Groundwork BioAg goes beyond farming carbon - it builds resilience, restores soil health, and accumulates long term carbon stocks at a remarkable pace, while generating carbon credits from which farmers directly benefit. We see this as a natural evolution of what carbon programs can achieve,” said Petra Laux, Chief Sustainability Officer of Syngenta Group.
“This partnership provides commercial validation of our technology and is expected to generate a substantial source of revenue for farmers and Groundwork over the next few years,” said Alon Werber, CEO of Groundwork BioAg.
He added, “By combining Syngenta's market access with our proven mycorrhizal capabilities, we are positioning mycorrhizal fungi as both a valuable agronomic input and a significant pathway for agricultural climate mitigation through our end-to-end carbon program.”
“This partnership reflects how biologicals are increasingly becoming a central part of agriculture. Nature-inspired solutions give farmers effective, reliable tools, while also providing concrete agronomical returns,” said Emilhano Lima, Global Head Seedcare & Biologicals.
The technology centers on mycorrhizal fungi, which develops beneficial relationships with plant roots. These fungi help crops absorb nutrients and water more efficiently while supporting soil health. They also contribute to long-term carbon storage by promoting the formation of stable organic matter in the soil.
Healthier soils can improve water retention, increase fertility, and strengthen resilience against drought and erosion. Through this partnership, farmers may gain access to tools that support productivity, sustainability, and new sources of revenue through carbon credit programs.
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