Melis Alphan is a journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey. 
Born in 1978 in Izmir, Turkey. She worked as a reporter, an editor and a columnist in daily newspapers. She writes on social issues; known with her stories on human rights, women’s and children’s rights and environmental issues.

1 billion people are hungry but 30% of food is wasted!

01 Oct 2023  |  artigercek.com  |  Turkish  |  Climate Change

The article highlights the paradox of global food waste and hunger, emphasizing that 30% of food is wasted while 1 billion people are hungry. It criticizes the current industrial agriculture system for contributing to water scarcity, pollution, and climate change, and for being controlled by a few large corporations. The article advocates for local food sovereignty and ecological farming as solutions, citing examples from Turkey, including initiatives by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality to support local farmers through producer markets.

Tags:

Syngenta Monsanto Pioneer ADM Bunge Cargill Dreyfuss

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

I started writing when I was 12. I still to this day write mostly every day, if not every week for personal reasons. I have several creative works in production and am slowly polishing them to release. 

Novelist, Poet, Short Stories

Syngenta celebrates grand opening of Seeds R&D Innovation Center

07 Jul 2023  |  ocj.com  |  English  |  Corporate News

Syngenta has opened a new Seeds R&D Innovation Center in Malta, Illinois, aimed at accelerating advancements in agricultural seed products and services. The facility, situated in the North American Corn Belt, will enable real-time farmer feedback and support Syngenta's commitment to improving germplasm performance and promoting regenerative agriculture. The 88-acre, 100,000-square-foot center is part of Syngenta's $1.48 billion annual global investment in seed R&D and joins 150 other R&D production sites worldwide.

Tags:

Syngenta

Factual

Factuality Scale

I am a freelance journalist originally from Romania. In the past three years, I have published over 400 articles on topics, ranging from political affairs in Eastern Europe to environmental abuses in African countries. Some of the publications that I have contributed to include Al Jazeera (****), ...

Who Controls the Future of Our Food?

04 Oct 2024  |  www.republik.ch  |  German  |  Genetic Engineering

The article explores the challenges faced by small and medium-sized plant breeders in Europe due to the increasing number of patents on seeds, particularly in the context of genetic engineering and new breeding techniques like Crispr. It highlights the dominance of large agribusinesses such as Bayer, Syngenta, and BASF, which control a significant portion of the market through patents, potentially stifling innovation and diversity in the seed industry. The article discusses the implications of EU regulatory changes on genetic engineering and the potential for increased patenting, raising concerns about the future of free breeding and the impact on small breeders. It also examines the role of public institutions like Agroscope in supporting breeding efforts and the need for alternative solutions to the patent problem.

Tags:

Syngenta Bayer BASF

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

A London-based multi-award winning reporter, with data journalism skills to complement traditional investigative muckracking. 

Published by Reuters, the BBC, Greenpeace, openDemocracy, EUobserver, The Black Sea, The Canary, DeSmog, Investigate Europe. First to prove who truly owns UK's fishing ...

London’s Evening Standard sells its editorial independence to Uber, Google and others – for £3 million

05 Apr 2023  |  openDemocracy  |  English  |  Brexit and Agriculture Policy

The article by openDemocracy investigates a commercial deal between Syngenta, a large agribusiness company, and ESI Media, which owns London’s Evening Standard. The deal involved paid content promoting Syngenta's stance on the 'future of food' without disclosing the company's legal challenges in the US or the controversy over UK's post-Brexit GM seed regulations. The coverage was part of a growing trend within ESI Media to blur the lines between advertising and editorial content. The article also touches on the potential impact of Brexit on UK's GMO regulations and the role of corporate lobbying in shaping public opinion. It raises concerns about the lack of transparency in media partnerships and the influence of commercial interests on editorial content.

Tags:

Syngenta ESI Media Virgin Sainsbury's ChemChina

My work has appeared in  Fox News, Salon, Medscape, Healthline, Epoch Times, MD Magazine, Specialty Pharmacy Times, Contagion Live.

Micro and Nanoplastics Linked to Parkinson's Disease and Dementia

11 Dec 2023  |  www.epochtimes.fr  |  French  |  Neurodegenerative Diseases

Research indicates that micro and nanoplastics, particularly from common plastic items, may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and dementia. These particles bind to proteins associated with these diseases, posing a potential environmental health threat. Experts emphasize the need for environmental changes to prevent future health issues, highlighting the role of pollutants and pesticides. Despite some regulatory actions in Europe, harmful substances like paraquat continue to be marketed elsewhere, raising concerns about political will to address these challenges.

Tags:

Syngenta

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Born 1985. Journalist -Writer & Photographer- with over a decade of experience. 
Bilingual English-Spanish. 
Conese's chronicles, photo-essays and reportages about social, political and environmental issues in Argentina have been published by VICE, El País, TRT World, Letras Libres, La Nación, ...

The deadly consequences of agrochemical farming in Argentina

26 Dec 2018  |  www.trtworld.com  |  English  |  Agriculture

In Argentina, the adoption of a GMO agricultural model heavily reliant on agrochemicals has led to severe health and environmental consequences. Alfredo Ceran, a former ground crop-duster, has suffered from cancer and other health issues due to exposure to toxic chemicals. The town of Monte Maiz reported a cancer death rate of 55 percent, significantly higher than the national average, after a study by the University of Cordoba revealed widespread contamination. Despite these findings, national authorities have denied the hazards of agrochemicals, and only minor regulations have been implemented. Residents in nearby Canals have also reported high cancer rates and are advocating for their health rights, but face resistance from local authorities.

Tags:

Syngenta Bayer-Monsanto Basf Dow Dupont

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Ann is an Australian freelance journalist in Mexico City. She reports for international media outlets on social, political and economic issues in Mexico including migration, the 'war on drugs', and feminist and indigenous social movements. 

Contributor to Foreign Policy, BBC New Economy, The New ...

Mexico bans the planting of genetically modified corn but not imports

03 Mar 2022  |  dialogochino.net  |  Spanish  |  Government Policy

Mexico's Supreme Court upheld a 2013 ruling known as the 'precautionary principle,' allowing authorities to reject GMO crop planting permits due to potential harm to health and the environment. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued a decree to ban genetically modified corn for human consumption by 2024 and eliminate glyphosate use. Despite legal challenges from seed companies and industry bodies, the ban does not affect animal feed imports. The debate on GMOs in Mexico continues, with concerns about cross-pollination with native corn and the impact on biodiversity, culture, and farmer dependency on multinational corporations.

Tags:

Syngenta Bayer

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Sam Edwards has worked as a correspondent for Reuters and Bloomberg Industry and written for The Guardian Long Read, Politico.eu, and The Nation, among others. His work has been supported by the European Centre of Journalism and the Pulitzer Center.

Tax Debits on Syngenta's $950 Million Loan Denied by UK Court

01 Nov 2023  |  news.bloombergtax.com  |  English  |  Legal Ruling

A UK court has denied Syngenta's claim for corporation tax debits on a $950 million intra-group loan, citing the 'unallowable purpose' rule. The First-tier Tribunal supported His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs' decision, indicating the loan's primary purpose was to secure a tax advantage, thus disallowing the deduction.

Tags:

Syngenta

Informative

Factuality Scale

I am a bilingual (French/English) journalist/radio producer/audio editor based in Paris. I have extensive experience producing radio news and features from A-Z (research, reporting, writing, voicing, editing, mixing). Currently working as a journalist for the English service of Radio France ...

France reverses course on banning insecticide to allow grain exports to North Africa

25 Apr 2023  |  RFI  |  English  |  Health & Safety

France's national food safety agency, Anses, has authorized the use of the insecticide phosphine for grain exports to North African countries, reversing a planned ban due to health concerns. This decision was made to maintain competitiveness against Russian wheat exports. Concurrently, Anses banned the herbicide S-metolachlor, a suspected carcinogen, with a transition period until October 2024 for an EU-wide ban.

Tags:

Syngenta

Informative

Factuality Scale

Victor Fernandes is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Video editor, cameraman, handling various editing programs in any format, material management, live transmissions, streaming, LiveU management, use of Mac and PC systems, use of professional cameras, production assistance, ...

Alagev celebrates 2023 and presents schedule for 2024; check it out

01 Dec 2023  |  Portal PANROTAS  |  Portuguese  |  Annual Review

The Latin American Association of Events and Corporate Travel (Alagev) celebrated its 20th anniversary by presenting its 2023 achievements and 2024 plans. The association saw a 33% growth in membership, totaling 447 companies. Key events included the 18th edition of Lacte, the 1st Dubai Business Study Mission, and the launch of the Turistech Hub Brasil. Alagev also formed new partnerships, such as with Maturi to combat ageism, and conducted various research projects. The association's activities spanned multiple regions, including Brazil, Dubai, and Portugal, and involved numerous corporate partners.

Tags:

Syngenta Disney ArcelorMittal Dell Technologies Credit Suisse Polishop Roche UnitedHealth Group Grupo Oncoclínicas iFood Tap Air Portugal Assist Card Shift Gru Airport Visit Portugal Intercontinental

Informative

Factuality Scale

Jonathan Gilbert is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina Pushes to Get Out of Farming Time Warp With Better GMO Seeds

01 Jan 2024  |  BNN  |  English  |  Agricultural Productivity

Argentina is updating its seed technology regulations, which have remained unchanged since the 1970s, to allow companies like Syngenta, Corteva, and Bayer to charge royalties for patented seeds. This move, part of President Javier Milei's economic reforms, aims to boost investment and improve access to modern GMO seeds, potentially increasing agricultural productivity. Argentina's outdated laws have left it behind competitors like Brazil and the US, with Argentine soybean yields 17% lower. The reform faces opposition in congress, where Milei's party is a minority. The article also mentions the decline in Argentina's agriculture due to heavy taxation and export interference, and the previous unsuccessful attempts to charge for seeds. Bayer's withdrawal from the Argentine soy seed market in 2021 is also noted.

Tags:

Syngenta Group Co. Ltd. Corteva Inc. Bayer AG Louis Dreyfus Co. Monsanto Co.

Journalist in Kathmandu, often with BBC Travel, der Spiegel, Stern, the Scotsman and other German and British media. 
Former senior foreign correspondent in Brussels covering EU affairs. Worked in broadcast, but still prefer print and photography. 
I usually write in English and German, but can ...

Undiscovered Basel

24 Jan 2013  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Tourism

Basel, Switzerland's third-largest city, is highlighted as a hidden gem for travelers, offering a rich blend of historical architecture, cultural events, and a thriving art scene. The city is home to the renowned Art Basel fair and a significant pharmaceutical industry, including companies like Novartis and Roche. Key attractions include the Old Town, the Rhine River, and the Münsterplatz with its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. Basel's culinary offerings feature local favorites like Basel Leckerli and sweet chestnuts. The article emphasizes Basel's unique position at the crossroads of Swiss, German, and French cultures.

Tags:

Syngenta Novartis Roche Ciba

Informative

Factuality Scale

Reuben Kyama is a seasoned broadcast and print journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.
During his career spanning over 15 years, he has covered developments in Africa for leading media both locally and internationally, including The New York Times, Germany’s Deutsche Welle and the Voice of America (VoA)...

Poison from Switzerland: Syngenta Foundation spreads highly dangerous pesticides

30 Dec 2023  |  Der Landbote  |  German  |  Environmental Impact

The Syngenta Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Basel, is under scrutiny for its role in promoting Syngenta's highly dangerous pesticides in Kenya, where protective measures are often unaffordable for local farmers. Despite being classified as a non-profit, the foundation's activities raise questions about its independence from the Syngenta corporation, which is a market leader in pesticides in Kenya. The foundation's approach contrasts with agrarökological principles advocated by organizations like the FAO, leading to criticism from environmental and development groups. The article highlights the potential health risks associated with pesticide use and the foundation's aggressive expansion strategy in Kenya, raising concerns about the sustainability and ethical implications of its operations.

Tags:

Syngenta Yara

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Anthony Langat is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.He specializes in reporting on human rights issues, governance, security and climate change

How the US agrochemical lobby is meddling in the future of Kenyan farming

27 Sept 2024  |  The New Humanitarian  |  English  |  US Influence

Kenya's push for agricultural self-reliance is challenged by weak pesticide regulations and US agrochemical lobby pressure, risking public health. The investigation highlights the role of v-Fluence, a US firm, in undermining efforts to regulate hazardous pesticides like paraquat, linked to Parkinson's disease. Despite bans in the EU, paraquat remains legal in Kenya, with Syngenta denying health risk claims. The Kenyan Pest Control and Products Board faces criticism for its close ties with agrochemical companies and slow regulatory actions. Campaigners advocate for agroecology as a sustainable alternative to intensive farming, emphasizing the environmental and health costs of current practices.

Tags:

Syngenta v-Fluence

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Jimmy Langman is a seasoned journalist based in Chile, known for his in-depth coverage of environmental issues, travel stories, and Latin American affairs. With a career that includes roles as a correspondent for Newsweek and regular contributor to newspapers in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., ...

The Global Pesticide Pushers in Latin America

01 Feb 2025  |  nacla.org  |  English  |  Environmental Regulations

The article examines the widespread use of hazardous pesticides in Latin America, highlighting the role of multinational corporations in exporting banned chemicals to developing countries. It discusses the health risks faced by farm workers and the regulatory challenges in controlling pesticide use. The article criticizes the practices of major agrochemical companies and the influence of trade agreements on national pesticide laws. It also highlights the efforts of environmental groups and UN conventions to address these issues, while pointing out the limitations of current regulations.

Tags:

Syngenta Monsanto Bayer BASF Amvac Chemical Corporation Dole Fruit

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Rachel Marsden is a media professional with over two decades of expertise in international politics. Her extensive career includes multilingual hosting, presenting, producing, and debating across TV, radio, and digital platforms. She has been an internationally syndicated columnist since 2011, ...

Germany uses the weapon of climate change against its own people

19 Dec 2023  |  nexusnewsfeed.com  |  English  |  Government Policy

German farmers protested in Berlin against the government's decision to revoke diesel fuel subsidies, a move seen as a desperate attempt to address budget shortfalls rather than genuine climate change efforts. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's administration redirected funds from a Covid-19 support fund to a green energy transition fund, leading to legal and financial challenges. The article criticizes the government's prioritization of climate policies and support for Ukraine over domestic needs, highlighting the broader trend of EU governments imposing stringent climate regulations on farmers. The involvement of companies like Bayer in benefiting from these policies is also scrutinized.

Tags:

Syngenta Bayer Corteva

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Right

Political View

collins Mtika is a journalist based in Malawi.Collins is a Malawian Investigative Journalist and founder of the Centre for Investigative Journalism in Malawi ( CIJM ).

Collins was born in Malawi but bred in Zimbabwe, where his parents worked in the mines there. He did his primary and secondary ...

Malawi is struggling to kick the habit but companies keep it dependent on tobacco

14 Jun 2016  |  mg.co.za  |  English  |  Tobacco Industry

Malawi's heavy reliance on tobacco farming, driven by companies like Alliance One, Philip Morris, and British American Tobacco, poses significant economic and health challenges. Despite efforts by initiatives like the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition (NAFSN) to diversify agriculture, the dependency on tobacco persists due to financial and structural constraints. Critics argue that these initiatives, supported by multinational corporations and the European Union, fail to effectively reduce poverty and food insecurity, often prioritizing tobacco over other crops. The German government's continued support for these programs, despite their shortcomings, highlights the complex interplay between economic interests and public health in Malawi.

Tags:

Syngenta Alliance One Philip Morris British American Tobacco Nestlé Heineken Coca-Cola Bayer Monsanto Standard Bank

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Joe Sandler Clarke is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Brazil pesticide approvals soar as Jair Bolsonaro moves to weaken rules

12 Jun 2019  |  Unearthed  |  English  |  Agribusiness

Over 1,200 pesticides, including many banned in the EU, have been approved in Brazil under the administrations of Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro, both aligned with the agribusiness lobby. Foreign companies like Helm, Syngenta, BASF, and Adama have registered products in Brazil containing chemicals prohibited in their home countries. The Bolsonaro government plans to further deregulate pesticide rules, potentially stripping environmental and health regulators of their authority. The article highlights the health and environmental risks posed by these chemicals and criticizes the government's approach to pesticide regulation.

Tags:

Syngenta Helm BASF Adama

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Far Right

Political View

Steven Savage is a journalist based in Newark, NJ, United States.  He is capable of covering events in NYC and Northern New Jersey on short notice.  He is an experienced former New York and New Jersey-based criminal defense attorney who has significant broadcast and audio experience.  He is also a ...

A Stroke Of Serendipity - A Technology Developed For The Bioethanol Industry Has Economic And Environmental Benefits For Beef And Dairy Production

29 Nov 2022  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Economic Benefits

The article discusses the development and benefits of Enogen corn, a genetically engineered product by Syngenta initially created to enhance bioethanol production. Enogen corn has shown significant economic and environmental advantages when used as feed for beef and dairy cattle, including increased feed-use-efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower resource consumption. Research from various universities supports these findings, and the adoption of Enogen corn is expected to grow, particularly in the western US. The technology also offers flexibility in silage production, making it a valuable option for farmers.

Tags:

Syngenta

Informative

Factuality Scale

sanavver shafi is a freelance journalist based in Bhopal, India.

Consumer forum, insurance scheme not of much help to farmers in fake agrochemicals crisis

03 Nov 2023  |  www.prokerala.com  |  English  |  Insurance

Farmers in Madhya Pradesh are struggling with crop losses due to fake and substandard agrochemicals, facing significant challenges in obtaining compensation through consumer forums and insurance schemes. Despite having bills, the lack of proper documentation and complex insurance rules hinder their claims. Awareness programs on spurious agricultural inputs are deemed inadequate, and there are allegations of collusion between traders and lab officials. Proactive measures, including a new faceless method for sample testing, have been introduced, but the effectiveness of these initiatives remains questionable.

Tags:

Syngenta Reliance General Insurance Bayer Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Coromandel International Limited Indian Potash Limited

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Okot Wilfred is a journalist.

Am a creative, dedicated, committed, and driven individual journalist with 5+ years of experience in reporting, Investigative, and a nose for the truth in news reporting expert for prints, broadcast, TV correspondent, and documentary work. Possesses good ...

80% of Vegetable farmers lose 40% of seeds purchased due to inadequate skills in Northern Uganda

10 Jan 2024  |  The Ankole Times  |  English  |  Seed Loss

In Northern Uganda, 80% of vegetable farmers lose 40% of their seeds due to inadequate skills in nursery setup and management. Syngenta, along with ABI and Techno Serve, is addressing this issue through the Northern Uganda Horticultural Market Acceleration project, which aims to improve farmers' skills and productivity. The project has trained over 300 farmers in Gulu City, focusing on modern farming technologies and integrated fertilization methods. The initiative seeks to boost household income and promote the export of high-quality produce. Farmers like Florence Lukwero and Samuel Otto express optimism about the training's impact on their agricultural practices and income.

Tags:

Syngenta

Informative

Factuality Scale