Syngenta is opening up its Cropwise platform to third-party developers worldwide.
The company claims the launch of the Cropwise Open Platform will accelerate the digital transformation of agriculture and remove one of the biggest barriers to innovation: access.
IPSOS research in partnership with Syngenta found that the digital divide in farming is widening, with larger farms racing ahead in the adoption of AI and digital tools while smaller farmers risk being left behind. It also revealed that while younger farmers are embracing technology, many older farmers view AI as complex or inaccessible — often unaware that they are already using it through tools like drones or imagery systems. Above all, trust, data control, and proof of local results emerged as the most powerful drivers of adoption.
“The agriculture sector stands at a tipping point. Climate pressures, global market volatility, and the urgent need to promote sustainable farming practices mean that technology adoption can no longer be optional,” said Feroz Sheikh, Syngenta’s chief information and digital officer.
“The Cropwise Open Platform represents a significant step forward in bridging the inequity that exists within the adoption of agricultural technology. By creating an open ecosystem that combines our deep agricultural expertise with cutting-edge digital capabilities, we’re empowering third-party developers to build solutions on top of Cropwise. Farmers can choose the apps that best support their needs — without sacrificing control over their data.”
By opening the platform to the global developer community, Syngenta hopes it will enable innovators to integrate advanced agronomic models into new tools and applications — helping farmers benefit from smarter, connected agricultural technologies.
“AI can be the great equalizer in agriculture — but only if it’s accessible, affordable, and trusted,” Sheikh added. “By opening Cropwise developer capabilities, we hope to create a network with farmers at the centre, and ensure that digital innovation benefits every farmer, not just those with the biggest fields or budgets.”
