Syngenta appoints Jeff Sands, manager, federal government relations

Jeff Sands joins Syngenta as a manager of federal government relations and industry relations for corn, based in Washington, D.C. In this role, Sands will support the company’s strategic federal government relations including outreach and advocacy. In addition, he will focus on industry relations for corn, the largest U.S. crop and a key business for Syngenta.

Sands comes to Syngenta with a solid combination of experience and relationships in both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government, and extensive experience in agribusiness. He is well prepared to help drive Syngenta’s federal government relations strategy and create opportunities to both maintain and expand the company’s license to operate.

Previously, Sands was with the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), where he served as director of public policy. Before ARA, Jeff worked on agricultural issues effecting northeastern and central Pennsylvania in Congressman Tom Marino’s (R-PA) office.

Sands has a deep belief that crop technologies are key to advancing sustainable agriculture and food security across the globe. He will advocate for policy that supports The Good Growth Plan, which reflects Syngenta’s belief that agricultural productivity must increase in order to feed a global population that is increasing by 200,000 people every day.

Sands received both his bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and master’s degree in public administration from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. Also, he earned a degree in environmental horticulture at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, which supported his former role as a golf course superintendent.