Syngenta suspends Ontario seed corn production

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‘We felt we had to make a decision,’ says company spokesperson

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Why don't we as corn producers stop buying Syngenta seed corn. Only support companies who support us!!!

I am writing to provide some clarification about the article published on November 11, 2010 regarding seed production in Ontario.

Ontario is crucial to Pioneer Hi-Bred’s seed production in North America.

We produce seed in Ontario for Canadian growers as well export seed to the United States. In fact, we’ve increased our production capacity. Over the last decade we’ve invested millions of dollars in seed production infrastructure in our plants in Chatham and Ridgetown, Ontario.

Last year we hired 30 additional staff for our production team in Ontario, and announced a new facility to be built in Wingham in 2011.

For Pioneer, sales are increasing and production is keeping pace. We’re proud that we’re providing top hybrids to Ontario farmers, and good jobs and wealth to the Ontario economy.

Ian Grant
President, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited

Question
Do we need a better watchdog on Ontario seed pricing comparing with USA

Seed corn pricing in Ontario is rather high priced when compared to Ohio and Michigan, and mid west. Canadian dollar is near par, too many Ontario farmer seed corn dealers as directors and delegates in Grain farmers of Ontario. How do these farmer seed dealers serve 2 masters?

When was the last time international seed corn prices were compared. Maybe Ontario farmers should look south for pricing. and start direct importing from US farmers by passing US dealers , before USA dealers are black listed for selling to Canadians. Volume discounts are given for all seed sales but most of Ontario's 25000 farmers dont get much advantage of 20 to 50 discounts per unit as bigger farmers. Mid western US seed is priced on a regional basis while Ontario is same price province wide. Cross USA regional county boundries and you can see large reductions in pricing per unit

I would like to reiterate the comments made by Ian Grant, President of Pioneer Hi-Bred in his report of Pioneer's committment and optimism regarding the seed corn industry in Ontario. Their investment, and the investments made by most of our other processors is indicative of their vision for the future.

It is our hope that the Syngenta decision to suspend production temporarily due to the upgrading necessary to refit the Cottam plant to current technology is one that we can reverse. We've always valued our mutually beneficial relationship with Syngenta and as part of our Association's new strategic vision, we look forward to working with them on future growth opportunities.

The seed corn industry in Ontario is open for business and we're committed to being part of it's continued success.

Neil Wilson
Chair, Seed Corn Growers of Ontario.

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