Durham County approved $225,000 in incentives to Syngenta

Hoping to lure one of the world's leading agricultural biotechnology companies, the Durham commissioners unanimously approved up to $225,000 in incentives Monday night to improve the county's chances of landing a $71 million expansion.

Syngenta Global, a company based in Switzerland, provides agricultural products and employs more than 26,000 people in 90 countries.

Syngenta Biotechnology, the research biotech division of the company based in Research Triangle Park, uses technology as it seeks to raise crop yields in drought conditions while lowering herbicide and fertilizer use. The RTP division employs 400 people at its 200,000-square-foot facility.

  The company is considering expanding its research and development operations in China, Singapore, Brazil and Durham County. Steven Goldman, a company spokesman, said Syngenta plans to make a decision this summer. A decision to expand overseas would not necessarily affect the RTP facility, Goldman said.

The $225,000 in incentives would be paid out over five years and would be tied to incremental investments in the $71 million project, county officials said.

This year, Syngenta Biotechnology filed a permit to build 147,000 square feet of greenhouse, laboratory and office space on about 50 acres it acquired on Davis Drive.

Goldsmith said that doesn't mean the company has made its decision.

Company officials have said local incentives will be a key consideration in landing the expansion.