Media Statement: Syngenta ANZ announces commercial exit from paraquat herbicide market

Following the recent decision on the regulation of paraquat by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), and a subsequent comprehensive commercial review by Syngenta, the decision has been made to exit all paraquat-containing products in Australia and New Zealand on commercial grounds. 

The decision to exit is driven by compounding commercial, regulatory, manufacturing and logistical challenges that make the portfolio financially unviable. For years, Syngenta has continued to support its paraquat portfolio despite highly competitive generic pressure eroding profitability. With Syngenta's local toll partner ceasing formulation of paraquat herbicide products and the closure of specialised hazardous chemical warehouses, the cost of establishing new, fully compliant local formulation and storage capabilities is cost prohibitive.  

Paraquat has been a highly valued productivity and conservation tool for many Australian and New Zealand growers. However, dedicating significant resources to unprofitable legacy products is no longer sustainable if we are to maintain our commitment to long-term agricultural innovation. This decision, while difficult, allows us to redirect our resources and focus on bringing the next generation of advanced, sustainable crop protection technologies to ANZ growers.

Regulatory constraints, combined with a highly complex and increasingly expensive supply chain, have made the paraquat herbicide products commercially unviable."

David Van Ryswyk, Managing Director, Syngenta ANZ 

Syngenta is committed to working closely with distribution partners, growers, and industry bodies to ensure a responsible and orderly transition. The company will manage the phase-out of its paraquat products in strict alignment with the APVMA's designated sell-out and use-by timelines. 

Syngenta remains deeply committed to Australian agriculture and will continue to invest heavily in bringing innovative, alternative crop protection solutions to market to help growers manage resistant weeds and protect their yields.