Syngenta has announced it will cease global production of the herbicide paraquat by the end of June. The decision marks a significant shift for the company, which first brought the active ingredient to market more than 60 years ago.
According to a company news release, the move is driven by an increasingly competitive global landscape. The rise of generic products has eroded Syngenta’s competitiveness in manufacturing the herbicide. Today, paraquat is registered for sale by more than 750 companies worldwide and accounts for less than 1% of Syngenta’s total global sales.
UK Facility Will Advance Plinazolin Technology
Following an asset review, Syngenta is phasing out production at its Huddersfield, UK, site—its only manufacturing facility for paraquat globally.
Despite the closure of the paraquat unit, Syngenta remains committed to the UK location, recently completing a £50 million (approximately $63 million) investment to manufacture its advanced Plinazolin technology at the site.
Plinazolin is a new insecticide active ingredient intended to support resistance management across a wide range of crops. The company reports the technology is now cleared for use at the federal level and will enter the U.S. market pending individual state authorizations.
“This decision is about focusing our resources where they deliver the greatest value for our business and our customers,” said Mike Hollands, head of Syngenta global production and supply.
Syngenta Focuses On New U.S. Priorities
Paraquat has long been a staple in the U.S. farming toolbox, particularly for growers utilizing conservation practices like no-till farming. Syngenta maintains that the herbicide is safe when used according to registered label instructions and intends to work with partners and customers to ensure a smooth transition through the production phase-out.
The company stated its exit plan for paraquat aligns with its broader strategy to prioritize innovation in seeds, biologicals, and AI-enabled digital and precision agriculture solutions.
Regarding plinazolin, it will enter the 2026 growing season for U.S. farmers as a seed treatment, soil-applied formulation or foliar spray. Syngenta said it plans to market five products built on the technology:
- Opello for corn rootworm control
- Equento as a seed treatment for wireworm and other below-ground pests in cereals and pulse crops
- Vertento for cotton, peanuts and onions
- Incipio for a range of vegetable crops
- Zivalgo for potatoes and tree fruit
All five products belong to IRAC Group 30, a classification associated with novel chemistries for insect management. Syngenta stated that the formulations are designed to match the specific requirements of different crops and pests, and to integrate with existing application practices.
