CSR 2024: A proud milestone for Syngenta Vietnam

A proud milestone at Saigon Times CSR 2024

For more than three decades of operation in Vietnam, Syngenta has dedicated itself to delivering the most advanced solutions in agricultural chemicals and seeds to enhance farming conditions and crop quality for farmers. Furthermore, the company has actively and continuously implemented meaningful community-focused initiatives. As a result, these efforts have contributed to enriching lives and fostering a beautiful and purposeful society.

In recognition of its impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and outstanding contributions, the Saigon Times CSR 2024 program, hosted by Saigon Times, awarded Syngenta Vietnam the title of Business for the Community.

With six years of experience to date, the Saigon Times CSR program continues to support businesses in spreading humanitarian values to communities. This year’s theme, "For a Sustainable Future," complements Syngenta Group’s global commitment to sustainable agriculture through four strategic priorities: (1) Enhancing productivity while reducing environmental impact, (2) Restoring soil health and conserving nature, (3) Improving rural livelihoods, and (4) Ensuring sustainability in operations.

In Vietnam, Syngenta has translated these priorities into action through sustainable farming projects in collaboration with value chain partners and CSR activities. These efforts not only support rural communities in improving their quality of life but also promote the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to the broader strategy of the Syngenta Group.

Contributing to sustainable agricultural development goals

Syngenta has actively collaborated with stakeholders to implement sustainable agricultural projects, focusing on several key crops such as coffee, rice, and potatoes. These initiatives aim to protect soil resources, promote biodiversity, enhance product value, encourage domestic consumption, boost exports, and increase farmers' incomes, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

Syngenta Vietnam has implemented the "Clean Environment, Green Life" campaign, one of its most notable CSR initiatives, in collaboration with local governments in the Mekong Delta since 2015. The campaign aims to raise farmers’ awareness regarding environmental protection and the safe, effective, and responsible use of crop protection products.

Accordingly, the program encourages farmers to collect used pesticide packaging in exchange for essential goods. Subsequently, the company transports the collected packaging to designated facilities for treatment following Syngenta Group's global standards. For every ton of packaging collected, Syngenta donates an equivalent number of trees to be planted along rural roads.

Over the last ten years, the Clean Environment, Green Life program has trained over 30,000 farmers across 20 provinces in the safe use of crop protection products, collected 170 tons of used packaging, and planted approximately 5,000 trees in the Mekong Delta. In 2024, Syngenta Vietnam received certificates of merit from the Chairman of the Can Tho City People’s Committee and the Chairman of the Thanh Binh District People’s Committee (Dong Thap Province) for its efforts in collaborating with local governments to raise farmers’ awareness regarding environmental protection and the effective use of crop protection products. Consequently, the company's efforts have contributed to creating greener, cleaner, and more beautiful rural landscapes.

Enhancing the quality of life in rural communities

Syngenta has implemented the "Mái Ấm Syngenta" (Syngenta Homes) program in collaboration with local authorities to support the construction and renovation of houses for disadvantaged families since 2010. The initiative also provides agricultural knowledge and technical training to help beneficiaries improve productivity, increase income, and escape poverty. To date, the program has donated 160 houses with a total value of over 8 billion VND to impoverished farmers in 40 provinces across Vietnam.

As part of the program, Syngenta has also constructed 25 standard-compliant sanitation facilities for schools in remote areas and two school sites with classrooms and toilets scheduled for completion in 2024. Additionally, the company has constructed nine concrete bridges in the Mekong Delta, replacing precarious bamboo and wooden structures to ensure safe and convenient travel. Syngenta plans to build four additional bridges in the provinces of Long An and Tien Giang in 2024, thereby contributing to the goals of new rural development.

Furthermore, Syngenta supports rural women through the "Empowering Rural Women of Vietnam" seminar series, which aims to enhance their roles and voices in agricultural production.

With initiatives focusing on environmental protection and comprehensive support for farmers in all aspects of life, Syngenta continues its journey of contributing to the long-term prosperity of rural communities and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Commenting on Syngenta’s recognition as a Business for the Community, Nguyen Thanh Tuan, Director of External Affairs and Sustainable Development at Syngenta Vietnam, stated, “The title is a testament to the company’s enduring efforts in contributing to the sustainable development of communities and society. Through comprehensive CSR initiatives, we aim to promote the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s agricultural sector, enhance prosperity, empower rural communities, and contribute to environmental protection. Ultimately, we wish to create shared values for society and work toward a sustainable future for generations to come.”