Garst Seed Company was a U.S.-based subsidiary of Syngenta that produced hybrid seeds for agriculture.In 1931, Garst and Thomas Hi-Bred Corn Company was founded by Roswell Garst and Charley Thomas in Coon Rapids, Iowa, and was "instrumental in promoting the use of hybrid corn." During the Cold War, Garst formed a relationship with Nikita Khrushchev and assisted the USSR in modernizing its corn production.In 1983, the company split up and Garst Seed Company was formed.In 1985 Garst was acquired by Imperial Chemical Industries's American subsidiary.In 1993, ICI sold off its North American assets, and Garst seed business became part of a new company called Zeneca.In 1996, Garst became part of Advanta Group, formed through the merger of Zeneca Seeds and VanderHave.