At the World Economic Forum 2026, Syngenta Group is highlighting the transformative potential of AI and digital tools in agriculture, with a focus on making advanced technology accessible to farmers of all scales, particularly smallholders. Against a backdrop of economic, environmental, and geopolitical pressures, the agricultural sector is facing declining farm numbers and increasing financial stress, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions.
“Farmers today are navigating one of the most complex periods in modern agriculture,” said Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group. “AI and digital tools, when combined with deep agricultural expertise, can revolutionize farming—but only if access is equitable and farmers can use these solutions without being tech experts. We also need trust, transparency, and measurable outcomes to ensure farmers see real benefits.”
A recent IPSOS study, conducted in partnership with Syngenta, highlights a growing digital divide in agriculture. While large farms rapidly adopt AI-driven tools, smaller and older farmers risk being left behind. The study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to expand access and ensure technology benefits all segments of the farming community.
Cropwise AI Solutions Empower Farmers
Syngenta’s Cropwise platform already delivers AI-driven solutions that simplify farm management:
- Cropwise Grower GenAI Chatbot: Supporting over 2 million farmers in India, this 24/7 multilingual tool provides instant disease diagnosis, agronomy advice, and product recommendations with 95% accuracy. Farmers can speak, text, or even upload photos of plants to receive actionable guidance, overcoming barriers of language, field visits, and cost.
- Predictive Intelligence for Pest & Disease Outbreaks: Launching soon in selected markets, this system combines real-time scouting data with geospatial AI to forecast pest and disease risks, enabling farmers to take preventive measures before outbreaks occur.
Syngenta is opening its Cropwise platform to third-party developers, encouraging co-innovation while ensuring responsible data governance. No individual grower data is accessed without consent, and the company maintains strict compliance with data protection laws.
Driving Collaboration and Policy Action
At WEF 2026, Syngenta is advocating for policy frameworks and collaborative approaches to broaden technology access, accelerate sustainable farming, and empower smallholders. On 21 January 2026, a roundtable organized by The Financial Times in partnership with Syngenta will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and academics to explore responsible AI adoption across the food value chain and translate technological potential into scalable impact.
Through its AI initiatives, Syngenta aims to bridge the technology divide, enable equitable access to agricultural intelligence, and strengthen global food security, demonstrating how digital innovation can serve as a true equalizer in farming.
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