LONDON, February 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Syngenta, the European agri-business group, today released its full-year 2008 results reporting an increase in its proposed dividend by 25% to CHF6.00 and expressing 'cautious optimism' for 2009. In a video interview Mike Mack, Syngenta CEO, discusses the group's 2008 performance, increased spend in research and development, capex and cost control, market issues, dividend and outlook. Despite the 'headwinds' the company faces, Mr Mack said the fundamental drivers of agriculture remain intact. "Early signs for the Northern Hemisphere, frankly, remain strong, our confidence in price increases, the product success that we have with our two blockbuster compounds in Crop Protection - for which we're making continued investment, the milestones that we've set for ourselves in Seeds, our emerging Lawn and Garden business. All of these things give us cautious optimism that 2009 can be yet another successful year for Syngenta. We look forward to getting underway." The interview and transcript are available now on http://w3.cantos.com/syngenta. It's free to view. All you need to do is register at http://www.cantos.com/. Cantos.com, the online financial broadcaster, features in-depth interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you would like to contact us, please email or phone +44-207-936-1333. DATASOURCE: Syngenta CONTACT: If you would like to contact us, please email or phone +44-207-936-1333

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