The collaboration will bring DU’s expertise in conservation and soil health practices to Syngenta’s extensive network of seed growers in several Midwest states.
MEMPHIS, TN, February 3, 2026 – Ducks Unlimited (DU) and Syngenta are excited to announce the expansion of their collaboration, enabling seed production growers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices across key Midwest states. The collaboration represents a significant step toward Syngenta’s sustainability goal of 85% of the company’s seed production being grown using regenerative agriculture practices by 2030. “Scaling regenerative practices remains a key challenge to turning our sustainability goals into real outcomes,” said Steven Wall, Development Manager for Digital and Sustainable Solutions at Syngenta. “Collaborating with DU will help us accelerate the adoption of practical, on-farm sustainability while strengthening wildlife habitat where growers live and work. It is a collaboration where everyone wins - Syngenta, DU, and, most importantly, growers.”
Starting in early 2026, the collaboration will bring DU’s expertise in conservation and soil health practices to Syngenta’s extensive network of seed growers in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Participating growers can expect on-farm technical support and targeted financial assistance to implement regenerative practices, including the use of cover crops, reduced tillage, and habitat restoration. “Farmers are the stewards of much of the habitat that birds rely on, both directly and indirectly,” says Billy Gascoigne, DU’s Director of Agriculture and Strategic Partnerships. Our continued collaboration with Syngenta reflects our shared commitment to meeting growers where they are, as we can advance win-wins for conservation and good, sound agronomy to the benefit of the producer.”
The pilot program is rooted in a forward-thinking approach: after experiencing tangible success on contracted acres, growers will gain confidence and a willingness to expand regenerative practices across their non-contracted acres. After evaluating the pilot results, partners aim to create a replicable roadmap for future stakeholders to drive widespread adoption of voluntary conservation. The approach offers a promising model for accelerating resilience and environmental benefits across privately managed lands nationwide. “Real progress happens when growers can see positive results for themselves,” said Jason Allerding, Global Head of Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Sustainability, & Risk Management at Syngenta. “This collaboration with DU is designed to provide that opportunity, enabling seed producers to experience tangible benefits – improved soil health, strengthened biodiversity, and resilient seed production systems for years to come.”
About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands, and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved over 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife, and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
About Syngenta
Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world’s population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before. Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Read our stories and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & X.
Media Contact:
Ducks Unlimited
KayLeigh McCool Mitchell, Sustainability Communications Coordinator
Syngenta
Wendell Calhoun, Senior Communications Manager
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