Collaboration supports seed growers with soil health and conservation practices
Ducks Unlimited and Syngenta have announced the expansion of their collaboration to help seed production growers adopt regenerative agriculture practices across key Midwest states. This effort supports Syngenta’s goal of having 85 percent of its seed production grown using regenerative methods by 2030.
"Scaling regenerative practices remains a key challenge to turning our sustainability goals into real outcomes," said Steven Wall, Development Manager for Digital and Sustainable Solutions at Syngenta. "Collaborating with DU will help us accelerate the adoption of practical, on-farm sustainability while strengthening wildlife habitat where growers live and work. It is a collaboration where everyone wins ─ Syngenta, DU, and, most importantly, growers."
Beginning in early 2026, the collaboration will support seed growers in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Growers taking part in the program will receive on-farm technical guidance and targeted financial assistance to implement practical regenerative practices. These include planting cover crops, reducing tillage, and restoring habitat on farmland.
The partnership combines Syngenta’s seed production network with Ducks Unlimited’s expertise in conservation and soil health. Steven Wall of Syngenta noted that scaling regenerative agriculture is essential for turning sustainability goals into real results. He said the collaboration helps advance practical farming solutions while strengthening wildlife habitats where growers live and work.
Ducks Unlimited emphasized the important role farmers play in managing habitat. Billy Gascoigne of Ducks Unlimited said the partnership focuses on meeting growers where they are while supporting conservation and strong agronomic practices that benefit producers.
The program is designed as a pilot effort. After seeing results on contracted seed acres, growers are expected to gain confidence and expand regenerative practices across other parts of their operations. This step-by-step approach allows farmers to see real benefits before scaling up.
"Farmers are the stewards of much of the habitat that birds rely on, both directly and indirectly," said Billy Gascoigne, DU's Director of Agriculture and Strategic Partnerships. "Our continued collaboration with Syngenta reflects our shared commitment to meeting growers where they are, as we can advance win-wins for conservation and good, sound agronomy to the benefit of the producer."
After evaluating outcomes, the partners plan to create a model that can be replicated by other organizations. The long-term goal is to increase resilience, improve soil health, strengthen biodiversity, and encourage voluntary conservation across privately managed farmland. The collaboration highlights how sustainability, productivity, and conservation can advance together.
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