Garst

Garst Seed Company was a pioneering American agricultural biotechnology firm that specialized in the development and commercialization of hybrid corn and genetically modified crop seeds. Founded in 1931 by Roswell Garst in Slater, Iowa, the company became a cornerstone of the hybrid seed industry and played a significant role in the global "Green Revolution." Garst was a leader in integrating advanced biotechnology traits, such as insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, into high-performing seed genetics. After several ownership transitions involving ICI, Zeneca, and Advanta, the company was acquired by Syngenta in 2004. Syngenta eventually retired the Garst brand in 2014, consolidating its products into the Golden Harvest and NK Seeds portfolios.