Syngenta faces labor strikes and criticism over organic farming claims

Syngenta is facing significant challenges regarding its operations in Europe, involving both labor disputes and accusations of greenwashing. In Belgium, workers at the Seneffe facility completed a 35-day strike after the company announced plans to close the site by the end of 2027. The closure threatens approximately 180 jobs. Labor representatives expressed frustration, noting that the decision comes despite the group reporting a turnover of roughly 24.5 billion euros in 2025. Allegations suggest the company is shifting production to China to benefit from lower labor costs.

In France, the national federation for organic agriculture (FNAB) has accused Syngenta of using organic farming to improve its corporate image. This follows a statement from the company claiming that 70 percent of production at its Saint-Pierre-la-Garenne site is suitable for organic agriculture. FNAB president Loïc Madeline argued that this claim deflects attention from the environmental and health impacts of the company's production of synthetic substances, such as sedaxane and metalaxyl, which are prohibited in organic farming. The federation criticized the company for using organic agriculture as a shield to avoid responsibility for its chemical activities.