Sensako is a major R&D seeds company that carries out operations in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho
Syngenta Seeds has completed the acquisition of South African seed firm Sensako. (Credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)
Switzerland-based Syngenta Seeds has completed the acquisition of South African seed company Sensako.
The company is involved in the breeding and commercialisation of agronomic crops under the brand name Sensako.
With a significant market share in South Africa, Sensako is a major R&D seeds company that also conducts operations in Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho.
Syngenta Seeds president Jeff Rowe said: “This strategic investment opens the door for us to bring more choice, innovation and technology to help growers thrive in the region. Most importantly, we’ll have the opportunity to bring our leading Viptera trait technology to growers to address the permanent, rapidly spreading threat of Fall Armyworm in South Africa.”
Sensako markets Lucerne, maize, oats, soybean, wheat, sunflower, barley and rye products in South Africa. The company markets maize and wheat products in Namibia and Lesotho, while wheat product in Zambia.
Sensako will allow Syngenta Seeds to enhance its position in South African seeds market in wheat, corn and sunflower
The acquisition of Sensako will allow Syngenta Seeds to advance its entry into the South African seeds market in wheat, corn and sunflower.
At present, Sensako currently distributes Syngenta sunflower seeds. Syngenta Seeds also markets vegetable seeds in South Africa, while Syngenta Crop Protection is a leading player in that market.
Sensako commercial director Patrick Graham said: “Syngenta’s extensive experience, technology and know-how in the seed arena together with the platform and assets that Sensako offers will be of tremendous value and benefit to South African agriculture.”
In June, Syngenta announced its plans to build a new R&D Innovation and Customer Experience Centre in Northern Illinois, US.
Considered to be the heart of the US Corn Belt, the new 90-acre site will be located in Malta, DeKalb County, which is about one hour west of Syngenta’s global and North America Seeds offices in Downers Grove.