Syngenta CEO says the future of Brazilian agriculture is now

Syngenta's global president, Steven Hawkins, stated that "the future of Brazilian agriculture is now" during his speech at One Agro, an event promoted by the company itself. According to him, the initiative should be seen as a movement, and not just a forum or meeting.

Hawkins highlighted the importance of co-creating the future of agriculture in Brazil, with the active participation of all links in the chain. “If the right people are together, we can find the right solutions,” he said, highlighting the diversity of participants — from producers to researchers, from government representatives to influencers.

Two central pillars marked his speech: education and artificial intelligence. Regarding the first, the executive praised Letícia Jacintho's talk, which proposed the challenge of thinking about the next generations. “Educating, creating capacity and generating impact” was the synthesis that Hawkins took with him.

Regarding artificial intelligence, Hawkins stated that the topic gained momentum not only because it was in the spotlight, but because of its real potential for transformation. He praised the dynamism of the panel and reiterated that Syngenta already applies AI in areas such as molecular research, logistics and planning.

He drew attention to the strategic use of data as a tool that is still little explored in agriculture, including in Brazil. “Data is the currency of the future,” he highlighted, citing the panelists.

Finally, he warned that the volatile global scenario demands immediate action from the agricultural sector. “There is a unique window of opportunity for Brazil. The future is in its hands. And the future is now,” he concluded.

Training and innovation are pillars

Technical training and modern management form the foundation of the agribusiness of the future. This is the assessment of Igor Silva, director of market access at Syngenta. In an interview, he emphasized that professional training needs to keep up with the speed of technological innovation, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence and digitalization.

According to Silva, Brazil is already positioning itself as a global model of agricultural efficiency. However, property management still offers ample room for improvement. “New technologies must be incorporated quickly. Those who know how to use them intelligently will make better decisions and increase their efficiency,” he stated.

Syngenta has been investing in training programs for years. The main one is the Center of Excellence, which brings together academies aimed at different audiences in the sector. The training includes everything from agronomists from cooperatives and distributors to CEOs and family farmers. “We have courses that range from preparing successors to qualifying HR teams and agricultural managers,” he explained.

More than a thousand professionals have already completed these trainings. Among the farmers served, the focus is on improving the internal management of farms and promoting the adoption of new production practices. For its business partners, the company has observed direct gains in performance. “Those who are trained speak more confidently and become more effective in their recommendations,” commented Silva.

Syngenta also promotes technical exchange networks such as Gtecs and Gteos, which bring together consultants, researchers and producers from different regions and cultures. In addition, initiatives such as the Aliança Program and the Otto Program strengthen relationships with cooperatives and producers.

Digitalization, considered a game-changer in training and agronomy, expands the reach of information and facilitates decision-making in the field. Digital tools allow us to reach a greater number of people and contribute to the dissemination of good practices. “It is a great ally in informing more people and driving positive changes,” said the director.

Silva also highlighted areas with unexplored potential, such as irrigation, the use of biologicals and the integration of digital solutions in agronomic management. “Brazil has an abundance of water. Irrigation can make significant progress. Biologicals are still little known, but they bring significant gains in productivity.”

He emphasizes that, although chemical management and soil fertility are well established, new molecules and technologies bring challenges. “These innovations change the way we manage. With the variability of the tropical climate, new pests and diseases emerge. Technical updates need to be constant.”

For the future, Silva advocates a multifaceted professional, with technical expertise, management vision and adaptability. “Those who can combine these skills will be better prepared to lead Brazilian agriculture in its new phase of growth.”