Syngenta will stop global paraquat production by June 2026, shifting focus to innovative crop technologies while maintaining investment and operations in the UK.
Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural technology and crop protection solutions, has announced plans to end worldwide production of the herbicide paraquat by the end of June 2026. The move comes as the company faces growing competitive pressure from generic manufacturers across international markets, which has significantly reduced the profitability and competitiveness of producing this long-established herbicide.
Following a comprehensive review of its manufacturing assets and product portfolio, Syngenta confirmed that it will gradually phase out paraquat production at its facility in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. This site currently serves as the company’s sole global manufacturing location for the paraquat active ingredient. As part of the same restructuring effort, a smaller multi-product production unit operating within the Huddersfield site will also be shut down. The phase-out initiative marks a strategic shift in the company’s manufacturing priorities as it continues to reshape its operations to focus on advanced agricultural technologies and higher-value innovations.
Despite the planned closure of paraquat production at the Huddersfield facility, Syngenta emphasized that the United Kingdom will remain an important hub for the company’s operations. The organization currently employs more than 2,000 people across six sites throughout the UK, with activities mainly concentrated in research and development, production, and supply chain management. Syngenta also noted that it will continue evaluating future investment opportunities at the Huddersfield site that could support the development and manufacturing of next-generation agricultural solutions.
In fact, the company recently completed a major investment of approximately GBP 50 million at the same location to enable the production of one of its most advanced crop protection innovations, PLINAZOLIN® technology. This technology represents a new generation of crop protection chemistry designed to help farmers manage pests more effectively while supporting sustainable agricultural practices. The investment highlights Syngenta’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its innovation pipeline and expanding its portfolio of modern agricultural technologies.
Paraquat has historically played a significant role in global agriculture, particularly in weed management. The herbicide is widely recognized for its effectiveness in controlling weeds and supporting conservation agriculture practices such as no-till farming. These methods help reduce soil disturbance, preserve soil health, and limit erosion, making paraquat a valuable tool for many growers worldwide. Originally introduced to the market more than six decades ago by a predecessor company of Syngenta, the herbicide has since become widely available as a generic product. Today, more than 750 companies around the world hold registrations to sell paraquat-based products.
Within Syngenta’s own business portfolio, however, paraquat now represents only a very small share of overall revenue. The company currently sells the herbicide in only a limited number of markets globally, and sales account for less than one percent of Syngenta’s total global turnover.
According to company leadership, the decision to discontinue paraquat production aligns with Syngenta’s broader strategic objective of prioritizing innovation and sustainable agricultural solutions. The company continues to expand its offerings across a diverse range of products and services, including high-quality seeds, seed treatments, biological crop protection products, advanced chemical technologies, and AI-enabled digital and precision agriculture tools designed to support farmers in improving productivity and sustainability.
Mike Hollands explained that the move reflects a careful reassessment of where the company can create the greatest long-term value. He stated that the decision is intended to ensure that Syngenta focuses its resources on areas that deliver the most benefit to both its customers and its business.
The company also reiterated that paraquat remains safe when applied according to approved label instructions and regulatory guidelines. As production winds down, Syngenta said it will work closely with partners, customers, and employees across relevant markets to manage the transition process smoothly and responsibly.
