Our FY 2023 Sustainability Report includes an annual summary of how we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our work in sustainable agriculture, innovation, and community engagement.
We support the Sustainable Development Goals.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023
Contents
08 A Message From our CEO 04 This is Valent U.S.A. 10 Our Commitment to Sustainability 14 SDG-2: Zero Hunger
20 SDG-4: Quality Education 26 SDG-5: Gender Equality
32 SDG-9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 40 SDG-12: Responsible Consumption and Production 46 Our People
This is Valent U.S.A. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, Valent U.S.A. LLC develops and markets products in the United States, Canada and Mexico that advance sustainable agriculture, protect crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, beautify the environment and safeguard public health. Valent U.S.A. is a wholly owned subsidiary
Valent U.S.A. serves the North American agricultural markets by integrating biorational, botanical and traditional chemistry innovation and scientific advances from Sumitomo Chemical and the Valent group of companies.
Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Valent BioSciences is the worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of biorational products with sales in 95 countries around the world. valentbiosciences.com
of Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, a diversified global chemical company dedicated to solving societal challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our purpose is to advance grower productivity through sustainable agricultural practices and innovative solutions in harmony with the environment and society. View our website at valent.com Valent Canada, located in Guelph, Ontario, has been providing solutions to Canadian agriculture, turf and ornamental industries since 2007. valent.ca Valent de Mexico (VdM), established in 1994, was the first company within the Mexican crop protection industry to incorporate conventional and biorational proprietary products into its own portfolio. VdM is headquartered in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and has sales and technical service personnel nationwide. valent.mx
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies. The company operates in four sectors — Agro & Life Solutions, ICT & Mobility Solutions, Advanced Medical Solutions, and Essential and Green Materials — and supplies solutions worldwide that underpin a wide variety
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, MGK is a world leader in the development and distribution of botanical insecticides as well as a wide range of conventional chemistries. The company provides solutions for home and pet, professional pest control, animal health and crop protection. mgk.com
of industries and people’s lives. sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english
Headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, Mycorrhizal Applications grows mycorrhizal seeds, or spores, used to produce mycorrhizal products that improve soil heath and increase nutrient and water uptake and efficiency. The company’s leading brand, MycoApply®, is sold in powder, granular and liquid form. mycorrhizae.com
Valent North America, or VNA, provides common enterprise business services that support the Valent group of companies. The group brings together the Finance, Legal, Environmental, Health & Safety, Information Technology and Human Resources functions to drive strong governance and enhanced service delivery practices more broadly across all the Valent group of companies – Valent U.S.A., Valent BioSciences, and Mycorrhizal Applications.
Mycorrhizal Applications – Grants Pass, OR
Valent Canada – Guelph, ON
Valent BioSciences Manufacturing Facility – Osage, IA Valent BioSciences – Libertyville, IL
Valent BioSciences Biorational Research Center – Libertyville, IL Valent Midwest Agricultural Research Center – Seymour, IL
Valent U.S.A. – San Ramon, CA
Valent BioSciences Research Center Virginia Beach, VA
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center – St. Louis, MO
Valent Mid-South Agricultural Research Center – Leland, MS
Valent Group Company Locations
Company Headquarters Locations Research & Production Facilities
Valent de México – Guadalajara, MX
From our President and Chief Executive Officer
I continue to be inspired by the progress the entire Valent U.S.A. team has made in advancing sustainability across every aspect of our business. Sustainability is not just a priority for us — it is integral to our purpose and culture. Guided by our parent company Sumitomo Chemical’s JIRI-RITA philosophy — “our business must benefit society at large, not just our own interests" — we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture practices and innovative solutions in harmony with the environment and society. This commitment is further reflected in our alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a critical framework for addressing the world's most pressing challenges. Through the work highlighted in this year’s Sustainability Report, we continue to drive impact on five SDGs that align most closely with our mission and expertise in serving North American agriculture. Some of the efforts we feature include:
Strengthening our Sustainable Solutions Criteria to support growers in adopting practices that enhance productivity while conserving resources. Expanding partnerships and initiatives under our DE&I Action Plan for Change, fostering inclusion and collaboration across our organization and communities. Showcasing sustainable agriculture innovations through impactful partnerships like our People, Planet and Productivity video series with America’s Conservation Ag Movement. Advancing agricultural education and strengthening the industry pipeline through our partnerships with National FFA, AFA, and MANRRS, inspiring and equipping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Achieving My Green Lab certifications at our North American Innovation Center, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices and reducing the environmental impact of our research operations.
Matt Plitt
President and CEO
These are just a few examples of how our team, along with customers and partners, are coming together to create meaningful change. As you review this report, I encourage you to view it not only as a reflection of our progress but as a promise of our continued dedication to enabling sustainable agriculture and creating long-term value for society. Together, we can drive solutions that benefit people and the planet, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Sincerely,
Matt Plitt President & Chief Executive Officer Valent U.S.A.
Valent's Commitment to Sustainability
THREE PILLARS: PLANET, PEOPLE, PRODUCTIVITY
Building on the foundation of our mission, vision, and purpose , Valent continues to uphold our commitment to sustainable agriculture and societal progress. As part of this ongoing effort, we remain focused on integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business. Our commitment to sustainability defines the unique capabilities that drive our operations, ensuring that we contribute to a prosperous, resilient future for both agriculture and the communities we serve. Our sustainability commitment is as follows: We partner with customers and stakeholders to enhance their prosperity through Valent and Sumitomo Chemical’s long-standing commitment to continuous innovation and sustainability:
Valent Sustainable Solutions contributes to the three pillars of people, planet, and productivity by delivering world- class products and services that provide nutritious and affordable food today and for future generations. Valent’s culture of sustainability provides safe, compliant, and efficient facilities and workplaces that help protect our employees and our environment. Valent’s credibility and resilience can be attributed to our people who exemplify the company’s core values by serving our customers with passion, commitment and expertise. Our parent company, Sumitomo Chemical, brings a legacy of creating innovative global solutions that enhance food, health, and the environment in harmony with society that began over 100 years ago.
How We Align Our Commitment To The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) At Valent, we are dedicated to advancing sustainability in every aspect of our business. Alongside our parent company, Sumitomo Chemical, we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , a global framework of 17 interconnected goals designed to promote a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2030. These goals align closely with our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and community engagement. While we acknowledge the significance of all 17 SDGs, we have strategically focused on five priority SDGs to make the greatest impact. These priorities are directly aligned with our core business and sustainability initiatives.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
In this report, you will find concrete examples of how our efforts and initiatives align with these priority SDGs. Our ongoing measurement process captures and tracks contributions from our employees and our company, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement.
We foster quality education by partnering with programs such as FFA and AFA (Agriculture Future of America), promoting sustainable agriculture education. These, and other ag education partnerships, equip students with both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing
Valent continually invests in research and technology to drive sustainable innovation in agriculture. Our commitment to eco-friendly operations includes improving energy efficiency and incorporating sustainability across all facets of our business, from product development to infrastructure.
We actively promote gender equality through policies that comply with the Equal Pay Act and by fostering a diverse and inclusive culture through initiatives led by the Valent Council for Diversity and Inclusion. Our collaboration with MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) further supports the development of diverse talent in the agricultural industry.
Through partnerships with CropLife America and other industry allies, we promote responsible consumption and work to reduce food waste. Our sustainability efforts work to expand science and education related to soil health research and practices.
Our commitment to ending hunger includes partnering with food banks and other organizations that tackle food insecurity. In addition, Valent’s innovative agricultural solutions support sustainable farming practices that boost productivity and help ensure food availability for all.
the next generation of agricultural leaders.
SDG-2: Zero Hunger Goal 2 calls for ending all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, ensuring that all —especially children — have access to sufficient and nutritious food year-round. With the global population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, farmers will need to increase food production by 70% from current levels.¹ At the same time, agrifood systems are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions caused by climate change, economic instability and other factors, all of which impact agricultural productivity and food production.² To address these challenges, Valent is committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices, increasing productivity, and reducing food waste through our products, strategic partnerships, and community initiatives. Innovative Pest Management and On-Farm Solutions A critical factor in achieving higher crop yields and better quality is effective pest management, particularly toward the end of the growing season. To optimize harvest production, pests must be managed in a sustainable and cost-effective way. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, which focus on minimizing environmental impacts while maximizing yield, offer a proven strategy for pest control throughout the season. Valent U.S.A. supports farmers in managing pests through its wide range of IPM-compatible products. We also offer plant growth regulators, such as ReTain® Plant Growth Regulator, which help increase harvestable yield and efficiency. Our science-based approach to reducing food loss through IPM plays a vital role in limiting food waste at the farm level. For more details, refer to “ A Science-Based Approach to Reducing Food Loss .”
1 Growing at a slower pace, world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion in 2050 and could peak at nearly 11 billion around 2100 https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/world-population-prospects-2019.html 2 FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2023. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023. Urbanization, agrifood systems transformation and healthy diets across the rural–urban continuum . Rome, FAO https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cc3017en
Partnerships Valent U.S.A. is proud to be a founding partner of America’s Conservation Ag Movement (ACAM), the largest public-private partnership in the U.S. focused on helping farmers implement climate-smart agriculture. Through education and outreach, ACAM supports 500,000 farmers representing 200 million acres of row crops, specialty crops and livestock. In 2023, we launched a new video series with ACAM, highlighting our Sustainable Solutions Criteria , a product assessment framework featuring eight icons aligned with key sustainable farming practices, such as reduced tillage and cover cropping. Titled “ Sustainable Solutions for People, Planet, and Productivity ,” the series showcases how Valent, in partnership with Sumitomo Chemical and other stakeholders, is driving sustainable agricultural practices that promote soil health and resilient food production systems. Our collaboration extends to industry groups like the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA), where we work to advance environmentally responsible and scientifically sound agricultural practices. Through WPHA, we focus on soil health and crop protection to ensure the continued production of fruits, vegetables and nursery plants.
We partner with CropLife America , the crop protection industry association, to utilize relevant SDGs and stakeholder input as a foundation to define key goals and outcomes that enhance farmer sustainability. SDG-2 is a priority SDG for CLA to advance innovative solutions that allow farmers to produce more food with fewer resources. Valent also works with the American Soybean Association (ASA) to ensure that U.S. soy farmers have access to sustainable farming tools and technologies. We are a major sponsor of ASA’s annual Conservation Legacy Awards , which honor soybean farmers for innovative, environmentally friendly, and profitable practices that help reduce food waste. Additionally, Valent collaborates with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to promote sustainable agriculture through investments in science education and corn production research at universities across the country.
SDG-2 Spotlight
Commitment to End Hunger: Supporting Local Food Banks for SDG-2, Zero Hunger At Valent, we believe in the power of community and collaboration to address one of the most urgent global challenges— ending hunger. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger, we are committed to supporting local food banks that help bridge food security gaps in our communities. This year, our employees demonstrated their dedication to this cause through volunteer efforts and financial contributions across multiple impactful initiatives.
Food for Every Table; Empower Every Future In early November, our Field R&D Team hosted its annual data review in Indianapolis, where they continued their tradition of supporting local charities. Dair McDuffee, Jon Kohrt, and Eric Ott led a virtual food drive for Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, with a goal of raising $2,500. To date, the team has raised $1,442, contributing meaningfully to the fight against hunger in Indiana. This drive remains open, and employees are encouraged to contribute and log their donations through our Valent SDG tracking form to strengthen our efforts towards SDG-2. Valent Holiday Food Drive Brings 681 Meals to Those in Need In December, our San Ramon-based team hosted a Holiday Food Drive in support of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Employees came together for a Lunch & Learn event with Food Bank representative Dawn Manley, gaining insights into the organization’s mission and future goals. Following the presentation, our team packed and delivered 681 meals for those experiencing food insecurity.
Hands-On Volunteerism at the Food Bank Throughout the holiday season, employees at the North American Innovation Center went above and beyond by volunteering directly at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Over three volunteer days, our team members packed fresh produce including pears, apples, and potatoes, helping to ensure nutritious food reaches those who need it most. "The experience wasn’t just about packing food; it was about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others and supporting our community," shared General Services Manager Pat DeLuca, who coordinated the volunteer days.
In total, Valent and its employees provided over $26,000 and contributed more than 500 service hours in support of food banks and other non-profit organizations that advance Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger. These efforts underscore our commitment to combating food insecurity and fostering sustainable communities, and we look forward to continuing this vital work as we strive toward a hunger-free future.
SDG-4: Quality Education
Advancing Quality Education for a Sustainable Future In today’s fast-evolving world, education has never been more vital in preparing youth and adults for meaningful careers, particularly in the agricultural sector, where sustainable practices are shaping the future of food and natural resources. At Valent, we are deeply committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, by investing in partnerships and programs that equip students with the skills they need for a sustainable future in agriculture. Cultivating Skills for the Next Generation To support Target 4.4 of SDG 4—substantially increasing the number of youth and adults with skills for decent work and entrepreneurship—we have dedicated our resources to programs that foster relevant, hands-on agricultural education. These initiatives empower students with critical technical and vocational skills and introduce them to careers that contribute to sustainable development.
Our Longstanding Partnership with National FFA For over 25 years, Valent has proudly partnered with the National FFA Organization, focusing on resources that enable students to grasp the importance of sustainability in agriculture. In 2023, our Sustainability in Agriculture Lesson Series engage d over 55,000 FFA students, providing classroom instruction on sustainable practices across the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Value Chain. This impactful lesson series, now also available in Spanish, has reached 365,520 students, providing sustainability learning opportunities to FFA membership since it was launched in 2020. In addition, we expanded our support for FFA’s AgExplorer Program , an ag-focused career exploration tool. Through this initiative, students gain insights into diverse agricultural careers through resources like our Day-in-the- Life video series—highlighting Valent’s commitment to sustainable practices and the wide-ranging possibilities in the ag industry. This immersive experience is equipping young leaders with knowledge and inspiring them to envision a career path where they can contribute to a sustainable world.
Building Leaders with Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Another pillar of our commitment is our partnership with Agriculture Future of America (AFA), a leading provider of leadership development for college students in agriculture. Since its inception, AFA has created transformative experiences for over 24,000 emerging leaders from more than 200 colleges and universities across 43 states. Our support includes sponsoring AFA’s Sustainability Institute , where college students discuss conservation, agriculture, and natural resource management while exploring career opportunities in these fields. Additionally, Valent contributes to AFA’s Crop Science Institute, Technology Institute and Leaders Conference , providing scholarships that offer financial assistance and access to premier development programs. These investments help shape future ag ricultural industry leaders, equipping them with skills that extend beyond the classroom. Championing Diversity with MANRRS Valent also partners with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), an organization focused on the professional development of underrepresented minorities in agriculture. In 2023, we sponsored six members of the University of California, Davis MANRRS chapter, allowing them to attend the national society’s
Annual Training Conference and Career Expo. Through this partnership, we’re supporting the next generation of diverse, skilled leaders and promoting inclusivity within agriculture. A Culture of Giving Back Our employees play a vital role in advancing quality education. In 2023, Valent team members volunteered time and provided financial support to local agricultural and educational programs. This spirit of service amplifies our collective impact, extending the reach of our commitment to quality education beyond corporate partnerships. Through these targeted programs, Valent is contributing to a sustainable future by fostering a generation of skilled, inclusive, and motivated leaders in agriculture. Our commitment to SDG 4 is more than a goal—it’s our promise to invest in the future of education, innovation, and sustainable agriculture.
SDG-4 Spotlight
Advancing Sustainability Education at the AFA Sustainability Institute
As part of our enduring commitment to sustainability and developing the next generation of agricultural leaders, Valent proudly sponsors the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Sustainability Institute each year. This flagship program provides approximately 50 undergraduate students with an immersive experience, sparking conversation on pressing issues in conservation, agriculture, and natural resource management. At last year’s AFA Sustainability Institute in San Diego, two of our own leaders—Leslie Garcia, Associate Director of Regulatory, Sustainability & Stewardship, and Pat Clay, Product Development Manager, Herbicides— took center stage to share their expertise and passion. Leslie and Pat were featured in panel discussions, including “The Future of Sustainability” and “What Valent is Doing for Sustainability,” where they offered valuable
insights into the practical and forward-thinking steps Valent is taking to support a sustainable future. Their contributions highlighted our proactive approach to environmental stewardship and innovation, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability across all facets of our business. In addition, Leslie and Pat engaged in a hands- on “Sustainability and Conservation Career Roundtable,” speaking directly with students who aspire to make a difference in the field of agriculture. Through these dialogues, they shared guidance and inspiration, reflecting our focus on empowering future leaders and supporting sustainability-driven practices. Our ongoing partnership with the AFA Sustainability Institute is one of many ways Valent is supporting SDG-4 while investing in the future of sustainable agriculture—helping foster knowledge, cultivate leadership, and support a more resilient world for generations to come.
SDG-5: Gender Equality
Valent is steadfast in its commitment to the development and advancement of women in our workplace and in the communities we serve. This aligns with Target 5.5 of SDG-5: “ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.” Research consistently shows that organizations with greater gender diversity achieve better performance. 1 At Valent, we work to promote and build a culture of diversity and inclusion where all employees can thrive and contribute to our spirit of innovation. Our DE&I Journey We promote a culture of DE&I among employees through our 5-point Action Plan for Change developed by the Valent Council on Diversity & Inclusion (VCDI):
1. Develop a diverse talent pipeline:
Valent Group Companies is committed to Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) to support underrepresented minority groups in agriculture and recruit strong diverse talent into the organization.
2. Inclusive Leadership:
A training program with leaders to model inclusive practices and be accountable for creating an inclusive environment.
3. Continuous Learning:
Annual mandatory training on unconscious bias and other DE&I topics of importance to the company.
4. Guest Speakers:
Outside experts that conduct interactive VGC employee forums and dialogues on DE&I issues and practices.
5. Assess and Commit:
1 Hunt, V., Layton, D., & Prince, S. (2015 February 2). Diversity Matters. Retrieved from, https://www.mckinsey.com/insights/ organization/~/ media/2497d4ae4b534ee89d929cc6e3aea485.ashx
VGC DE&I survey to understand the voice of the team and implement actions to address feedback.
Progress in FY2023 In FY2023, we implemented several key actions based on our FY22 assessment survey and ongoing work to foster a diverse and inclusive culture at all levels of VGC:
Expanded Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) :
Mentorship Program Extension : To further retain and develop our diverse talent, the Valent group continued to promote its mentoring program in which we aim to engage 100% of our senior leadership team and 25% of our managers as mentors with a minimum one-year relationship with mentees. dedicated training for managers, employees, as well as mandatory unconscious bias training. New Training Initiatives : We introduced new training programs via our Learning Management System to help ensure we all have the tools and skills needed to manage and work in diverse teams. These include Gender Diversity Goals : We have published internal goals to significantly increase diverse representation across gender and ethnicity within the Valent group of companies by 2025. Strengthened Partnerships : We also deepened collaborations with key educational institutions and DE&I-focused organizations to broaden our impact.
We continued to expand our number of ERGs, voluntary, employee-led groups that serve as a resource for their members and the company by fostering a diverse, inclusive work environment aligned with our values, goals and business objectives. We launched the Women of Valent de Mexico ERG , increasing the total number of ERGs to 11. The Valent group now has 11 ERGs , encompassing approximately 600 employees , which represents 75% of our workforce . ERGs are open to all employees. Enhanced VCDI Structure : In FY23, we evolved our VCDI charter and membership structure to ensure representation from all ERGs, our DE&I Matters newsletter team and the Executive Sponsor Group (ESG). The revised structure, which included shifting quarterly council meetings to bimonthly, is designed to provide more timely insight, input, feedback, counsel and recommendations to the Executive Sponsor Group (ESG).
Our Partnerships Our Partnerships with National FFA , AFA and MANRRS support gender equality as they encourage young women to go into agriculture and STEM careers and expand their goals. In 2023, we strengthened our partnership with American Agri-Women , the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch, and agribusiness women with more than 20 affiliates and members in 42 states, united to communicate with one another and with other
We continued our partnership with Women in Agribusiness , a nonprofit organization that supports women’s career development and advancement in agriculture and helps member companies reach gender parity. We partner with Cultivating Change , which works to achieve an equitable industry environment for LGBT agriculturist s everywhere. We are a key sponsor and participant in the annual Cultivating Change Summit and Leadership Training event, which brings together agriculture LGBTQ+ employees, allies, human resources and DE&I professionals to network, educate and advocate in the agricultural community.
consumers to promote agriculture. See spotlight “Inspiring Inclusion for Gender Equality”
SDG-5 Spotlight
Inspiring Inclusion for Gender Equality In FY23, the Women of Valent Group Companies (WOVGC) Employee Resource Group (ERG) hosted a transformative International Women’s Day celebration across Valent Group Companies. The event, themed “Inspire Inclusion,” was a powerful demonstration of our commitment to the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity. This celebration featured three dynamic guest speakers whose stories and insights captivated and inspired: • Avery Fowler , President, and Presley Cooper , Vice President, Livermore FFA
Avery and Presley shared how their leadership in the FFA has driven inclusion and innovation in agriculture, while Rose offered a compelling perspective on the evolving role of women in the sector. Their journeys underscored the profound impact of women in shaping a sustainable agricultural future, emphasizing the importance of diversity and equal opportunity. Rose Tyron brought a unique and multifaceted perspective to the event, drawing from her extensive experience in farming and law enforcement. Her background has equipped her with a deep understanding of rural community dynamics, and she has been a steadfast advocate for their health and sustainability. Rose's passion for collaboration across diverse social and economic groups enriches her work, highlighting the critical intersection of agriculture and community well- being.
Through thought-provoking presentations and lively discussions, attendees gained valuable insights into building inclusive workplaces and communities. The event celebrated the contributions of women across all levels of agriculture, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing sustainable practices and driving change. Events like “Inspire Inclusion” reflect Valent Group Companies' unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality. By creating platforms that uplift and amplify women's voices, we not only support their professional growth but also cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive. This aligns with our broader sustainability efforts, ensuring that equity and inclusion remain central to our mission.
Rose Tyron , President of American Agri-Women
•
SDG-9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Valent operates two state-of-the-art facilities that drive innovation: • The Midsouth Agricultural Research Center (MSARC) in Leland, Miss., and • The Midwest Agricultural Research Center (MWARC) near Champaign, Ill. These sites enable the company to accelerate discovery and development testing for Valent’s growing portfolio and bring more innovative crop protection and enhancement solutions to growers. Valent and our employees at these sites are also committed to supporting their local communities through significant outreach and volunteerism efforts. In 2023, we worked with customers and growers to adopt our new product assessment framework with specific criteria and distinguishable icons that enable Valent to evaluate and define “sustainable solutions” across its broad portfolio of agriculture products. The framework received a third- party review by SCS Consulting and is designed to help growers and customers attain a more sustainable agricultural crop production operation.
Valent has a continuous commitment to innovation, for our business and for society. This commitment is in line with Sumitomo Chemical’s philosophy of Jiri-Rita – Our business, for society. Innovation is also central to our vision to be the trusted partner of choice for our customers by integrating biorational, botanical and traditional chemistry innovation, scientific advances, value- added services and expertise. Target 9.4 aims to upgrade infrastructure with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. Valent has partnered with My Green Lab , a third-party framework that aims to improve environmental sustainability in laboratory settings. To further increase sustainability of our North American Innovation Center , Valent achieved two key certifications as part of the My Green Lab program, considered the gold standard for laboratory sustainability best practices around the world. See spotlight “Achieving Platinum and Green My Green Lab Certifications.” Target 9.5 calls for enhancing scientific research, encouraging innovation and upgrading technological capabilities in all sectors to increase productivity.
Partnerships Valent U.S.A. LLC strives to create new and sustainable innovations to meet grower needs and to help our planet thrive. To meet our aspirational goals in sustainability and innovation, Valent partnered with Halo in 2021 to employ their open innovation platform to reach and build new partnerships with like- minded scientists around the world. In 2023, we formed collaborations to explore green technologies for the precise control of next generation pesticides. Our partners include: The Ohio State University and Cornell University. These projects help advance our R&D which supports our commitment to agriculture, our SDG goals, and enhances growers’ ability to produce food for our thriving population. As part of Sumitomo Chemical, we also are evaluated by EcoVadis , a trusted global leader in business sustainability ratings. In 2023, Sumitomo Chemical earned a gold medal in EcoVadis' sustainability assessment for the fourth consecutive year, placing it in the top 5% of all evaluated companies. This prestigious recognition highlights the company's strong performance in key ESG areas, particularly in environment, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Sumitomo Chemical was specifically praised for its expanded efforts in sustainable procurement, supplier engagement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and commitment to human rights and environmental priorities across its supply chain.
SDG-9 Spotlight
Achieving Platinum and Green My Green Lab Certifications In fiscal year 2023, Valent’s dedication to innovation and sustainability reached a new milestone at our North American Innovation Center. Through our partnership with My Green Lab, we earned both PLATINUM and GREEN certifications, the global benchmarks for laboratory sustainability best practices.
My Green Lab presents this certificate to: Valent Residue and Pollinator Exposure for outstanding work in reducing the environmental impact of their laboratory space and for their successful completion of the My Green Lab Certification Program as a Green Level Certified Lab in November 2024
My Green Lab presents this certificate to: Valent Formulations Laboratory for outstanding work in reducing the environmental impact of their laboratory space and for their successful completion of the My Green Lab Certification Program as a Platinum Level Certified Lab in November 2024
Safety is Number 1 Driving innovation and efficiency aligned with SDG-9 Demonstrating our unwavering commitment to sustainability This certification process also provides detailed reports to identify future improvement opportunities, ensuring continuous progress. Congratulations to our labs for this well- deserved recognition! Together, we are building a sustainable future for our business and society.
My Green Lab aligns with global climate action goals as a recognized Race to Zero Breakthrough Outcome under the UN Climate Change framework. Its certification program advances SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG-13 (Climate Action) by addressing resource use and encouraging sustainability in labs worldwide. These efforts help drive meaningful progress toward a resilient, net-zero carbon future. The Valent achievements reflect the hard work of our lab teams in implementing cutting-edge, environmentally sound practices that align with Valent’s priorities:
The PLATINUM certification was awarded to the Valent Formulations Lab for outstanding efforts in reducing the environmental impact of our laboratory space. This achievement reflects the team’s successful completion of the My Green Lab Certification Program at the Platinum Level, demonstrating their leadership in sustainability.
The GREEN certification was awarded to the Residue and Pollinator Exposure Lab for exceptional work in minimizing the environmental impact of our laboratory space. Their successful completion of the My Green Lab Certification Program at the Green Level highlights their strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
Linking Sustainability Criteria to Sustainable Development Goals The U.N. Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 global goals, designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.” Established in 2015, the SDGs are intended to be achieved by the year 2030. valentsustainablesolutions.com
PLANET
PEOPLE
PRODUCTIVITY
Valent Sustainability Criteria
We are committed to developing products and innovative solutions that help growers tackle environmental industry challenges.
We enable growers to provide nutritious and affordable food today, and to contribute positively to society as a whole.
We aim to strengthen food security by supporting sustainable and productive agriculture.
Description
SDGS
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 12 aims to reshape global consumption and production patterns toward long-term sustainability. Valent is steadfast in its commitment to zero waste operations and the development of products that support sustainable, efficient agricultural systems across North America. Aligned with Target 12.2 we focus on ensuring the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, while Target 12.5 drives our ongoing efforts to reduce waste generation through prevention, recycling, and reuse. Crop protection products play a crucial role in improving the quality and yield of agricultural crops, enhancing farming efficiency, and increasing profitability for growers. Valent, alongside our parent company Sumitomo Chemical, continues to innovate, delivering effective solutions that meet customer needs and address the challenges of modern agriculture.
Our Sustainable Solutions Business Unit (SSBU) team actively promotes a diverse portfolio of products and services that foster soil health, provide nutritious food, and help ensure food security for future generations, in alignment with Target 12.2. In our commitment to achieving Target 12.5, we actively implement waste reduction initiatives across our facilities. At our North American Innovation Center, we’ve partnered with Alameda County Industries (ACI) to launch a comprehensive zero-waste program. This program includes educational signage, employee engagement, and a streamlined waste management system that encourages recycling, composting, and proper disposal. We also prioritize sustainable office supplies and work with our suppliers to recycle office materials and other consumables.
FPO
Partnerships In 2023, Valent strengthened its partnership with America’s Conservation Ag Movement/ Trust in Food to produce a new series of educational videos that promote our third- party reviewed sustainable solutions criteria. These efforts, in collaboration with Sumitomo Chemical and key partners in sustainable agriculture, including customers and growers, are focused on advancing soil health and promoting sustainable food and fiber crop production for the future. As a founding member of the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC), Valent continues to play a key role in recycling efforts, contributing to the recycling of over 236 million pounds of agricultural plastic since 1992. In 2023, this initiative has helped divert 1.18 million cubic yards of waste from landfills and supported over $118 million in investments to enhance sustainability in agriculture. Valent also continue d its partnership with Field to Market, a collaborative effort that works to define, measure, and advance the sustainability of food, feed, fiber, and fuel production in the U.S. This collaboration supports our shared goals of reducing environmental impacts across the agricultural supply chain.
Through our network of strategic partnerships, we work with organizations like CropLife America, CropLife International, the Agricultural Retailers Association, the National Corn Growers Association, the Western Plant Health Association, the Rice Foundation, and others to explore initiatives that promote responsible consumption, reduce food waste, and improve sustainability across the industry. Valent is also committed to reducing our environmental footprint in all areas of operations. In partnership with IT vendors, we replaced desktop printers with energy- efficient multifunction printers (MFPs) across various Valent sites. This transition reduces paper waste, conserves energy, and lowers maintenance requirements, contributing to our broader environmental sustainability goals.
Plitt explains, “One is around corporate sustainability — that’s the role we play in industry in terms of how we make a contribution to the industry to lead, train, educate and invest in sustainability. The other is more of the commercial platform — that’s how our products actually help growers on the farm.” Valent’s dedication to both platforms is central to its ongoing efforts to support sustainable farming practices. The company has also introduced its Sustainable Solutions Criteria, which prioritizes delivering innovative, sustainable tools for growers while ensuring the company’s broader environmental impact aligns with industry-leading sustainability practices. According to Valent’s grower partners, this forward-thinking approach is already making a difference. Rob Shaffer, an Illinois grower and Valent U.S.A. customer, shares, “We want to be able to work with companies that are working on sustainability because they seem to be a little bit farther ahead than what I can do on my own farm. That’s the kind of thing that’ll help me go further in my career and also, hopefully, turn over our farm to the next generation.” This partnership with ACAM and its emphasis on sustainability is a prime example of how Valent U.S.A. is committed to meeting the challenges of today’s agricultural landscape, while helping farmers achieve long-term success and stewardship of the land.
SDG-12 Spotlight
People, Planet and Productivity Valent is dedicated to a sustainable future, a commitment deeply embedded in the company’s operations and values. This dedication is foundational to our parent company, Sumitomo Chemical, which has championed sustainability since its founding in 1913. As the agriculture industry faces mounting sustainability pressures, Valent is using these principles to inform decision-making and product development, with a particular focus on providing growers with the tools they need to maintain healthy, productive crops in an environmentally responsible way. In 2023, Valent partnered with America’s Conservation Ag Movement (ACAM) to explore the role sustainability plays throughout the entire lifecycle of agricultural products. Through this collaboration, Valent provides tools on how sustainability affects both the products they develop and the practical, on-the-ground decisions made by growers. A key element of this effort was the video series titled “ People, Planet, and Productivity ,” in which President and CEO Matt Plitt outlines the dual platforms guiding Valent’s sustainability journey: corporate sustainability and commercial sustainability.
To view the videos and to learn more about America’s Conservation Ag Movement, visit TrustInFood.com/ACAM and Valent.com .
Our People: Driving Sustainability and Community Impact
At Valent, our purpose is to advance grower productivity through sustainable agricultural practices and innovative solutions in harmony with the environment and society. Whether working in-person, remotely or through hybrid arrangements, our people embody this purpose every day. 2023 marked the 10 th anniversary of JIRI-RITA ACTION , a Sumitomo Chemical Group initiative reinforcing the philosophy that our businesses must benefit society at large, not just ourselves. We are proud that Valent and Valent North America achieved 100% participation in JIRI-RITA Action, showcasing our employees’ dedication to sustainability. Our commitment to community impact is equally strong. Valent employees regularly volunteer their time and resources to support local food banks, schools, environmental clean- ups and more. For example, Valent is an annual sponsor of the Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank's “Empty Bowls” event, helping provide nutritious food to those in need.
Education is another key focus. Last year, we welcomed 8 th graders from St. Matthew Catholic School and college students from Parkland College to our Midwest Agricultural Research Center, offering hands-on learning about agriculture, equipment and careers in the field—experiences that were firsts for many of these students. In 2023, our employees achieved a 12% increase in volunteer hours, reflecting their passion for giving back to their communities. From reducing personal environmental footprints through our “Green Side” commute program to mentoring the next generation of agricultural leaders, our employees are at the heart of Valent’s sustainability efforts. We are inspired by their dedication, innovation and drive to make a difference at work, at home and in our communities. Together, they truly embody our mission to create a sustainable future.
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