The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Syngenta entered into a public-private partnership to develop and advance wheat breeding technologies including GM and non-GM traits, hybrid wheat and the combination of seeds and crop protection. The two partners are committed to increase global wheat production by combining the advanced genetic marker technology and advanced traits platform of Syngenta and CIMMYT's access to wheat genetic diversity and global partnership.

Hans-Joachim Braun, Director of CIMMYT's Global Wheat Program, observed that global wheat production needs to be increased tremendously as global demand is growing at 1.5% or more annually. This public-private collaboration will therefore be an essential instrument in advancing agriculture to meet global challenges. "Combined with the impacts of climate change, we must avoid the risk of another food crisis and ensure farmers across the world are equipped to meet the demands of a rising world population. Partnerships like this can greatly benefit the world's farmers, rich and poor," said Braun. 

For details, see the news release at: http://www2.syngenta.com/en/media/mediareleases/en_100406.html.