: : a month later : :
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Working for an agro-chemical company can test ones resolve daily. Are the products we produce providing a greater benefit than the harm they possibly do? When Brasil crops are plagued by rust and we experience %%%% increase in sales of fungicide, are we helping more than we are gaining? I am looking all the time for the goodness in the business that I am in, and one month after the Tsunami, I was happy to see at work that its not a short term memory/CNN approach - in dealing with this tradegy, as in business, our approach is long term and strategic...
Talking clarity out of chaos
Author: Paul Castle Published: 25-Jan-2005
Following the Tsunami flood disaster, Syngenta established an Agricultural Reconstruction Fund. The APAC region manages the fund, and has support from the Syngenta Foundation. David Scott is the co-coordinator of this relief and reconstruction initiative. David’s first task is to assess the needs, and identify where Syngenta can help. He is now rapidly building up local contacts and knowledge by visiting Thailand, as an important regional centre for WHO and FAO, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Global News caught up with him in Bangkok and asked him for further details.
GN: How have people reacted to the Syngenta initiative so far?
DS: Everybody I have contacted has been very positive. Those are not just people in areas directly affected by the flood disaster, but also other stakeholders interested in the medium and long-term relief effort.. The Swiss Ambassador in Bangkok, for example, has also been very supportive. So have many employees, both locally and internationally. The response to our donation appeal on the intranet has already been excellent. I would like to thank everybody who has contributed so far.
How will Syngenta be spending that money?
Precise details remain to be worked out. A month after the disaster, many places are still in considerable chaos. Clearly, however, agriculture is where we can contribute the most to rebuilding livelihoods. Farming is a crucial economic sector in the areas affected, and is of major social importance. Restarting food production will also have a direct effect on the health of the region’s inhabitants. We will be working with the FAO, governments and other groups to understand the nature of the damage to agriculture. This will take some time. The donations from employees, the Foundation, and the company will all be very well spent.
What is the current view on damage to agricultural infrastructure?
First and foremost is the substantial loss of life. In Ache, Indonesia, some estimates are that 40% of the populations in some localities have been killed. 19 out of 26 agricultural extension officers have died. So there will be a need for capacity-building. Annual crops such as rice and vegetables have been lost. Perennial crops such as fruit trees and plantation crops have been either lost or damaged. A major agronomic issue is salinity. Saltwater flooding results in increased soil alkalinity and a collapse in soil structure. The FAO regional office in Bangkok is currently co-ordinating an assessment in the affected areas. This will be available in early March.
Media reports suggest that not all countries are as open to external assistance as one might hope...
As I say, much is still unclear. The situation is also changing daily. But my personal talks in several countries are already “building bridges”, and helping show where progress is easiest. Larger discussions like the Tsunami Relief Meeting planned for January 26th in Jakarta by a coalition of UN groups, NGOs, and private industry should also bring additional clarity. What is clear is that re-construction will take time, money and, importantly, know-how. Public/private partnerships are likely to play a major role in putting these elements together and Syngenta is well placed to be part of this process.
How is the agribusiness industry as a whole helping with relief work?
The regional section of the industry association CropLife is being very helpful. As regards its members: Syngenta was extremely quick to make emergency relief donations and offer expertise. Most other major companies have also been generous. However the whole effort of reconstruction still has a very long way to go.
