The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), announced that Syngenta has reached the $1 million Victory Club level of The Institute's cumulative donor program.

"Syngenta has been a longtime supporter of The Institute," GCSAA CEO Mark Woodward, CGCS, said. "Syngenta has been in lock step with The Institute in fostering environmental stewardship. Its steadfast commitment to the success of GCSAA members has significantly raised the profile of the superintendent profession and the association."

GCSAA President and Institute trustee David S. Downing II, CGCS, recognized Syngenta at the 2009 GCSAA Education Conference Welcoming Reception Feb. 4 and thanked it for sponsoring the New Orleans reception. Nike Golf Chairman Bob Wood, chairman of The Institute's board of trustees and member of its Advisory Council, then announced that Syngenta becomes only the second member of the Victory Club, joining The Toro Co. as the only two organizations that have contributed $1 million to The Institute since 1987. Syngenta is also a member of the Platinum Tee Club, which is the giving club for organizations that contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually to The Institute.

"Achieving Victory Club status further illustrates Syngenta's deep commitment to The Institute's mission and vision," said Dave Ravel, golf market manager for Syngenta. "Our ongoing financial support allows the GCSAA to continue its work of consistently raising the bar of professional standards in the golf course management industry. Our commitment to high standards of stewardship extends throughout the product lifecycle - from research and development to manufacture, use and disposal. At Syngenta, environmental stewardship is a part of our culture. Syngenta is committed to sustainable agriculture and committed to improving life."

A GCSAA Gold Partner, Syngenta funds the association's Legacy Awards and is a presenting partner of the GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards. Syngenta also donated to GCSAA's hurricane disaster relief efforts in 2005. Syngenta advertises in GCSAA's official publication, Golf Course Management magazine, exhibits at the Golf Industry Show and supports GCSAA's tournament fact sheets. Syngenta sponsors the Opening Reception and Certification Luncheon at the annual GCSAA Education Conference, as well as the International Resource Center at the Golf Industry Show. It is also a Double Eagle donor in the Golf Industry Show Silent Auction.

Syngenta is the industry leader in creating dependable pest management solutions and growing media for professional markets. It offers more than 40 professional products and services while building optimal packages of chemistries and technology to help customers. Syngenta can be relied upon for environmentally sound products that deliver consistent performance. It offers industry-leading products for weed, insect and disease prevention and control, as well as growth regulators for the golf, lawn, ornamental and aquatic environments. Visit www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

For more information contact:
Teri Harris, GCSAA managing director, development at 800-472-7878 or tharris@gcsaa.org
Margaret Bell, Syngenta senior marketing communications manager, at 336-339-2611 or margaret.bell@syngenta.com