Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, has announced the launch of Cropwise Open Platform, an AI-powered digital ecosystem now accessible to third-party developers worldwide.
Building on the success of Cropwise — which in just five years has transformed digital farm management and supports over 70 million hectares of farmland across more than 30 countries — the open platform aims to accelerate agricultural digitisation and close the technology access gap between large and small-scale farmers.
By opening its trusted digital foundation, Syngenta is enabling innovators to integrate advanced agronomic models into new tools and applications — helping farmers benefit from smarter, connected technologies.
New research by IPSOS, in partnership with Syngenta, highlights the growing digital divide in farming. The study shows that while larger farms are rapidly adopting AI and digital tools, smaller farmers risk being left behind. It also reveals that younger farmers are more open to new technologies, whereas older farmers often view AI as complex or inaccessible — despite already using it indirectly through drones and imagery systems. Trust, data control, and proof of local results were identified as key factors driving adoption.
“The agriculture sector stands at a tipping point. Climate pressures, global market volatility, and the urgent need for sustainable practices mean that technology adoption can no longer be optional,” said Feroz Sheikh, Syngenta’s Chief Information and Digital Officer.
“The Cropwise Open Platform bridges the inequity in technology adoption. By creating an open ecosystem that combines our agricultural expertise with digital capabilities, we’re empowering developers to build solutions that meet farmers’ needs — while ensuring they retain control of their data.”
Through its robust integration features and access to Syngenta’s digital agriculture services, the Cropwise Open Platform allows developers to create data-driven applications that address real-world farming challenges. Farmers remain in full control of their data while benefiting from innovations built around the platform.
For developers, the platform offers access to Syngenta’s AI, machine learning capabilities, and aggregated agronomic insights, enabling them to scale their solutions globally.
“AI can be the great equalizer in agriculture — but only if it’s accessible, affordable, and trusted,” Sheikh added. “By opening Cropwise to the global developer community, we’re creating a network that puts farmers at the center of digital innovation — ensuring technology benefits every farmer, not just those with the biggest fields or budgets.”
Syngenta reaffirmed that it does not grant access to any individual grower data without the consent of the data owner, in line with applicable laws.
