RAGT acquires Syngenta’s 2-row malting barley seeds business
5th January 2026
RAGT and Syngenta have reached an agreement for RAGT to acquire Syngenta’s two-row spring and winter malting barley seeds business.
With the future acquisition of Syngenta malting barley, RAGT will expand its portfolio and strengthen its presence and expertise across many countries, offering even more comprehensive solutions to farmers and to the malting, brewing and distilling industry, the company said.
The transaction includes the acquisition of Syngenta’s Market Stainton site, a centre of excellence for malting barley breeding located in Lincolnshire, UK.
As part of the agreement, around 10 Syngenta employees currently dedicated to malting barley will transfer to RAGT. The transaction also covers certain specific Syngenta IP, registrations, and other related intangible assets.
Damien Robert, managing director of RAGT Semences, said: “This strategic addition to our existing malting barley portfolio is an important milestone in advancing our growth strategy under the RAGT 2030 vision driven by the RAGT Group’s Executive Board.
“This acquisition strengthens our position in key European markets and builds on the strong foundations established by Syngenta. We see clear synergies within our existing portfolio and significant potential to accelerate technologies that will benefit growers across Europe”.
‘Excellent prospects for the malting barley seeds business’
Robert Hiles, seeds field crops marketing & portfolio management head at Syngenta Europe, added: “This agreement with RAGT, a global strategic player in agriculture, will leverage the leading germplasm and growth potential of Syngenta’s malting barley business.
“RAGT has a strong record in the integration of strategic acquisitions and offers excellent prospects for the malting barley seeds business, enabling it to build on its expertise in serving European growers and the malting barley supply chain. We are confident in a smooth handover for our teams and in a continued high level of service and value for growers and the malting barley supply chain.”
RAGT and Syngenta said they will work together over the next few months to facilitate an orderly transition to maintain a high-quality customer service for our business partners.
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