Syngenta promotes AI-driven farming solutions at World Economic Forum

Syngenta is using the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to press for wider adoption of artificial intelligence and digital tools in agriculture, arguing that technology will be critical to sustaining food production amid rising economic, environmental, and geopolitical pressures.

The Swiss-based agribusiness group said farmers worldwide are facing shrinking margins, increasing climate volatility, and rising input costs, contributing to a decline in the number of active farms. Speaking ahead of the forum, Syngenta’s CEO Jeff Rowe said the sector is at a pivotal moment.

“Farmers today are navigating one of the most complex periods in modern agriculture,” Rowe said. “There is a narrow window to reverse current trends by ensuring that all farmers, regardless of size or technical expertise, can benefit from AI and digital tools.”

Digital divide in agriculture

Syngenta pointed to new research conducted by IPSOS in partnership with the company, which found a growing technology gap between large-scale producers and smaller or older farmers. While major operations are rapidly adopting digital platforms and artificial intelligence, smaller farms often lack access to, skills for, or infrastructure for doing the same.

The study highlights what Syngenta describes as an urgent need for more inclusive technology deployment, warning that unequal access could widen productivity and income disparities across the agricultural sector.

Cropwise platform and AI tools

At Davos, Syngenta is showcasing its Cropwise digital platform, which integrates artificial intelligence into farm management. One of its flagship tools, the Cropwise Grower GenAI chatbot, is already used by more than two million farmers in India. The system provides agronomic advice through text, voice, or images, offering disease diagnostics and crop recommendations in local languages.

The company is also preparing to launch a predictive intelligence system in selected markets that uses geospatial data and AI modeling to forecast pest and disease outbreaks. The tool is designed to help farmers take preventive action rather than responding after damage has occurred.

Syngenta said the technologies are intended to simplify farm decision-making rather than replace human expertise. The company emphasized that its platforms are built with data protection safeguards and that farmers retain control over their data.

Focus on collaboration and policy

During the World Economic Forum, Syngenta is advocating for closer collaboration between governments, agribusinesses, and technology providers to accelerate the adoption of digital tools in agriculture. On 21 January, the company is co-hosting a roundtable with the Financial Times, bringing together policymakers, academics, and business leaders to discuss responsible use of AI across the food value chain.

The discussions are expected to focus on governance, data transparency, and how to translate technological advances into practical, scalable outcomes for farmers.