Syngenta to stop global paraquat production by June 2026

Syngenta will end global production of the herbicide paraquat by June 2026, closing a chapter on one of its longest running crop protection products.

The company said strong competition from generic producers and a shift in research priorities led to the decision. Paraquat has served farmers for more than 60 years, but the product now accounts for less than 1 percent of Syngenta’s global sales.

Syngenta will also shut its paraquat unit at its site in Huddersfield in the United Kingdom, the company’s only facility that produces the herbicide. The firm will close a small multi product unit at the same site as part of the change.

“The market for paraquat has changed a lot over time. More than 750 generic producers now supply the product globally, which has reduced our ability to compete,” the company said in a statement.

Pressure from generic competition

Generic manufacturers now dominate the paraquat market across many regions. Their lower prices have reduced the share held by large crop protection firms.

Syngenta said the shift pushed the company to direct its research spending toward newer weed control tools. One key focus area includes Plinazolin™ technology, which the firm has developed mainly for farmers in the United States.

“We want to focus our investment on newer chemistry that helps farmers manage pests and weeds in a more effective way,” the company added.

Concerns over weed resistance

The decision comes at a time when farmers face growing weed resistance to common herbicides such as glyphosate. Paraquat has played a key role as a fast acting burndown herbicide, especially in no till farming systems.

Many growers rely on it to control weeds before planting crops. Without it, some farmers may turn to generic paraquat products or combine several weed control methods, including crop rotation and mechanical control.

Agronomists say the sector has introduced very few new herbicide modes of action in recent decades. This gap has increased pressure on companies to develop new tools that remain effective against resistant weeds.

Impact on farmers in developing markets

Farmers in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America still use paraquat widely. The change could create short term challenges for growers who depend on it for quick weed control.

Experts say governments, research groups, and input suppliers may need to support farmers during the shift to other weed control approaches.

The move also takes place against long running concerns about paraquat toxicity. Several countries have already banned the product, while others continue to allow controlled use.

Syngenta said it will continue to supply the herbicide until production ends in June 2026, giving farmers time to adjust their weed control plans.

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