This year’s report highlights Valent U.S.A.’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture across North America. Key focus areas include driving innovation that supports regenerative farming, launching the new Sustainable Solutions Agriculture Research Center (SSARC), and celebrating 30 years of Valent de Mexico. The report also showcases strengthened collaboration with industry partners such as CropLife America and America’s Conservation Ag Movement, as well as ongoing investment in agricultural education through partnerships with FFA, AFA, MANRRS, and others.
We support the Sustainable Development Goals.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2024
Contents
04 Valent U.S.A., Valent Canada, Valent de México 08 A Message from Our President and Chief Executive Officer 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 38 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 44 Valent de México Celebrates 30 Years of “Victories on the Field” 46 Our People: Making a Measurable Impact Across Communities
Valent U.S.A., Valent Canada, Valent de México
Valent U.S.A. LLC, headquartered in San Ramon, Calif. and a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company (SCC) Ltd, develops and markets products in the United States, Canada and Mexico that advance sustainable agriculture, protect crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, and beautify the environment. The company’s products include a well-known line of quality herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and plant growth regulator products for agricultural, seed protection and professional use. Valent U.S.A. and its subsidiaries such as Valent Canada, and Valent de México, serve the North American agricultural markets by integrating biorational, botanical and conventional chemistry innovation and scientific advances from Sumitomo Chemical, MGK and Valent BioSciences. This unique and progressive portfolio of conventional and biorational crop protection and enhancement solutions, advance productivity, profitability, efficiency, and sustainability for growers. Visit our website at www.valent.com Valent Canada, located in Guelph, Ontario, has been providing solutions to Canadian agriculture, turf and ornamental industries since 2007. www.valent.ca
Valent de México (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. www.valent.mx
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies. It currently operates businesses in four sectors — Agro & Life Solutions Sector, ICT & Mobility Solutions Sector, Advanced Medical Solutions Sector, and Essential & Green Materials Sector — and supplies solutions (technologies and products) worldwide that underpin a wide variety of industries and people’s lives. For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english
On Oct. 13 2025 Valent BioSciences LLC, MGK, and the corporate shared services organization, Valent North America LLC, announced they will come together under a new unified organization named Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC (SBC), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd (SCC) in April 2026. Based in Libertyville, Illinois, the integrated organization will serve as SCC’s Global Center of Excellence for Biorational Innovation, designed to accelerate the company’s industry-leading capabilities in providing integrated, sustainable biorational solutions derived from natural sources such as microbials and botanicals to customers around the globe. Learn more about Sumitomo Biorational Company at www.valent.com/articles/ sumitomo-biorational-company-llc
Mycorrhizal Applications – Grants Pass, OR
North American Innovation Center, Valent U.S.A. – San Ramon, CA
Valent Sustainable Solutions Agricultural Research Center – Yuma, AZ
Valent Group Company Locations
Company Headquarters Locations Research & Production Facilities
Valent de México – Guadalajara, MX
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 Mid-South Agricultural Research Center – Leland, MS
A Message from Our President and Chief Executive Officer
• Advancing new innovations that support regenerative practices and utilizing our sustainable criteria to understand grower challenges and provide solutions to our customers and partners. • Opening the Valent Sustainable Solutions Agriculture Research Center (SSARC), a hub for specialty crop production that exemplifies our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and stewardship. • Celebrating 30 years of operations at Valent de México and continuing to meet the needs of growers across the country. • Collaborating with industry stakeholders, working with organizations like CropLife America and America’s Conservation Ag Movement to promote sustainable agriculture. • Investing in agricultural education through partnerships with National FFA, AFA, MANRRS and others to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Every year, I am continually impressed by the dedication and innovation of the Valent team in advancing sustainability across our business. Sustainability is more than a priority, it is embedded in our purpose and culture, guiding the decisions we make every day. At Valent, we are inspired by our parent company Sumitomo Chemical’s spirit of JIRI-RITA, which emphasizes that our business should serve society as a whole, not just our own interests. In this spirit, we remain committed to providing growers with solutions that advance regenerative agriculture, helping them achieve long-term productivity while reducing environmental impacts. Our efforts align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on those where we can make the greatest impact in support of North American agriculture. Here a just a few highlights in this year’s report:
Matt Plitt
President and CEO
This annual report reflects our people and our purpose to advance grower productivity through sustainable agricultural practices and innovative solutions, in harmony with the environment and society. I am proud of what we accomplished in FY 2024 and excited for the work ahead as we continue to develop solutions that benefit people, planet and productivity.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
• Valent’s culture of sustainability promotes safe, compliant, and efficient workplaces that protect our employees and the environment while enabling operational excellence. Our sustainability approach is rooted in the Sumitomo Chemical Group’s Basic Principles for Promoting Sustainability, which define the promotion of sustainability as contributing to the realization of a sustainable society through our business and achieving sustainable growth for the Group. Guided by the principle of “ Jiri- Rita Koushi-Ichinyo ,” which translated means to create both economic value (Jiri) and social value (Rita) in harmony. Valent’s credibility and resilience are grounded in our people, who exemplify the company’s core values by serving our customers with passion, commitment, and expertise. As part of the Sumitomo Chemical Group, we are proud to contribute to a legacy spanning more than a century of innovation in agriculture, contributing to solving global challenges and creating a sustainable future for all.
At Valent, our commitment to sustainability continues to guide how we innovate, operate, and grow. Building on a strong foundation of our mission, vision, and purpose , we are deepening our focus on integrating sustainable practices across every part of our business. Through these efforts, we aim to create long- term value for agriculture, society, and the environment by delivering solutions that support growers in achieving profitability while advancing regenerative agriculture practices that help conserve natural resources, enhance soil health and strengthen the environment. 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.
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 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
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.
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
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.
the next generation of agricultural leaders.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
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.
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.
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.
SDG-2: Zero Hunger
Innovative Pest Management and On-Farm Solutions A critical factor in achieving higher crop yields and better quality is integrated pest management, including targeted pesticide use. 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, can increase yield by over 40%, helping farmers stay productive as pest pressures rise and change with climate change (Pretty and Bharucha, 2025) 3 . 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.”
Goal 2 calls for ending all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, ensuring that everyone, especially children, has 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, using data and technology to optimize yields, reduce food waste and minimize environmental impacts through our products, strategic partnerships, and community initiatives.
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 3 Pretty J, Bharucha ZP. Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in Asia and Africa. Insects. 2015 Mar 5;6(1):152-82. doi: 10.3390/ insects6010152. PMID: 26463073; PMCID: PMC4553536.
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 2024, we launched a new video series with ACAM, highlighting the challenges that farmers face in feeding a global population. The series explores the future of American agriculture and how we can work together to protect our people, planet, and productivity for a more resilient tomorrow. 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
Zero Hunger: PAVE Volunteers Help Nourish the Community
Fertile GroundWorks’ educational garden. All produce harvested from the garden is donated to local community kitchens and food pantries to help feed neighbors in need — directly contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. After harvesting, the group split into teams, one planting more than 300 onions, 50 garlic bulbs, and 200 brassicas (broccoli and Chinese cauliflower), while the other tackled a large bed overrun with bindweed. Volunteers also transplanted shallots and mulched freshly planted beds, freeing up the nonprofit’s regular crew to prepare additional plots for future crops. The day offered more than just hands-on gardening experience, it was a chance to learn about sustainable farming practices, teamwork, and community impact. By supporting Fertile GroundWorks, Valent employees helped advance the fight against hunger while promoting sustainable agriculture at the local level.
Earlier this year, nine volunteers from Valent U.S.A.’s Pan Asian Valent Employees (PAVE) Employee Resource Group spent a morning supporting Fertile GroundWorks, a nonprofit in Livermore, California, dedicated to teaching communities how to grow healthy, nutritious food organically and sustainably. During their three-hour volunteer session, the Valent team helped harvest kale, chard, lettuce, broccoli, and even late-season tomatoes from
SDG-4: Quality Education
Empowering Future Leaders Through Agricultural Education In a world defined by rapid change and growing interconnection, education remains fundamental to developing the skilled, sustainability-minded leaders agriculture needs for the future. At Valent, we recognize that sustainable agriculture begins with equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and passion to drive positive change.
Our efforts in support of SDG-4 focus on expanding access to agricultural education, promoting inclusion, and strengthening technical and vocational skills for youth and adults. Aligned with Target 4.4 , which aims to increase the number of people with relevant skills for decent work and entrepreneurship, Valent invests in partnerships with nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to scale our impact and advance agricultural learning at all levels.
Partnerships For more than 25 years, Valent has partnered with the National FFA Organization to enhance the lives of young people through agricultural education. Through this long-standing collaboration , we provide teachers and students with resources to explore sustainable practices and career pathways across the agriculture, food, and natural resources value chain. Our Sustainability in Agriculture Lesson Series continues to reach thousands of FFA students each year, helping classrooms across the country explore the importance of sustainability in agriculture. The series is also available in Spanish, broadening accessibility and inclusion. National FFA has set a goal for 20% of its membership to experience sustainability learning or practice by 2025, and Valent’s educational resources play a key role in achieving that milestone.
Valent continues partnering with National FFA to support the AgExplorer Program , a robust ag career tool for teachers and students to explore over hundreds of careers in agriculture. A key tool that is part of our AgExplorer support is a series of Day-in-the-Life videos that emphasize our commitment to sustainability, including these videos featuring a Valent Regional Manager , Territory Account Manager , and a Formulations Scientist . In 2024, then National FFA President, Amara Jackson , and Western Region Vice President, Emily Gossett visited our North American Innovation Center where they discussed how FFA and partners like Valent, are equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed to make meaningful contributions to the agriculture industry. Watch the video at youtu.be/yDtElif_mKU
Supporting Collegiate and Emerging Leaders
Championing Inclusion in Agriculture
Valent’s partnership with Agriculture Future of America (AFA) helps bridge the gap between academic study and professional careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources. AFA has provided more than 24,000 leadership development experiences to students and young professionals from over 200 colleges and universities across 42 states. In 2024, Valent sponsored the AFA Sustainability Institute , a program offering approximately 50 undergraduate students an immersive learning experience on key issues in conservation and sustainable agriculture. Valent also continued support for the AFA Plant Science Institute and Leaders Conference , providing scholarships and mentorship to help students build leadership skills and pursue careers in agriculture. In 2024, Valent employees showcased their passion for nurturing future agricultural leaders by raising funds on the AFA Day of Giving, making Valent the top contributing company based on the published campaign team fundraising pages.
Through our partnership with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), Valent promotes inclusion in agricultural education and career pathways. In 2024, Valent once again sponsored several University of California, Davis MANRRS students to attend the society’s 39th Annual Training Conference and Career Expo, the largest event for underrepresented students pursuing agriculture and natural resources careers. We also support programs such as the AgVoices of the Future initiative in partnership with the American Soybean Association, which introduces college students to agricultural policy and advocacy at the national level.
Engagement Beyond the Classroom
Driving Long-Term Impact
Valent employees across the country actively contribute their time and expertise to strengthen local education. From volunteering with local FFA and 4-H chapters to supporting organizations like the Michigan State Horticultural Society and public school programs in their communities, our employees exemplify Valent’s belief that education is essential to building a more sustainable future.
By investing in education at every level, from classrooms to career conferences, Valent is helping to build a more skilled, inclusive, and sustainability-minded agricultural workforce. Through these partnerships and employee efforts, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders who will advance sustainable agriculture and strengthen food systems worldwide.
SDG-4 Spotlight
Bridging Learning and Industry: MANRRS Students Explore Agriculture Careers at Valent
As part of Valent’s commitment to SDG-4: Quality Education , the company continues to invest in partnerships that empower the next generation of agricultural professionals. Through its ongoing collaboration with MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences), Valent is helping create pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to explore careers in agriculture and the sciences. Earlier this year, representatives from Valent and Sumitomo Chemical Americas, Inc. (SCAI), including Sr. Finance Manager Kevin Flagg, Sr. Manager, Human Resources Amber Brocks, and Sr. Manager, Internal Control & Audit Kayo Suzuki, participated in the 39th MANRRS National Conference in Memphis, Tennessee. The event brought together thousands of students eager to learn, network, and prepare for their future careers. Valent once again sponsored students from the UC Davis MANRRS chapter to attend the conference, deepening its connection with this impressive group of emerging leaders. After the conference, seven UC Davis MANRRS students, including Chapter President Camille Heskett, Clover Sutton, Liam Davis, Jessica Wagner, Liliana Espinoza-Martinez, Yash Choudhary, and their advisor Lucero Marcias-
Torres, visited Valent’s North American Innovation Center (NAIC) in San Ramon for a day of learning, engagement, and career exploration. The visit began with an introduction to the Valent story, giving students a firsthand look at the company’s purpose, values, and the many career paths available across the company. During a Lunch & Learn session, the students shared reflections on their MANRRS experiences, discussed insights from the National Training Conference and Career Expo, and offered perspectives on what they value in future employers. The day concluded with a lab tour, where Valent scientists demonstrated the complex process of registering a new pesticide product — a detailed, multi-year journey that left a lasting impression on the group. Through initiatives like the MANRRS partnership, Valent continues to promote inclusive learning, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to supporting SDG-4: Quality Education. These experiences not only inspire the next generation of agricultural innovators but also strengthen the industry’s collective future.
SDG-5: Gender Equality
Training Initiatives Through our Learning Management System, Valent offers training programs that equip employees and managers with the tools and skills needed to lead and collaborate effectively in diverse teams. These include dedicated learning modules for managers, inclusive leadership courses, and mandatory unconscious bias training.
Valent has a longstanding and growing commitment to advancing gender equality — both within our organization and across the agriculture industry. We actively invest in programs that encourage girls and women to pursue education and careers in agriculture and STEM, and in initiatives that foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for all employees. This work supports SDG Target 5.5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: “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 stronger business performance. At Valent, we are taking concrete steps to cultivate this advantage through training, partnerships, and employee- led initiatives that drive inclusion and leadership development.
Our Partnerships Valent continues to support and strengthen partnerships with organizations that advance gender equality and inclusion in agriculture:
National FFA, AFA, and MANRRS
Women in Agribusiness
These partnerships help inspire and prepare young women to pursue careers in agriculture and STEM, expanding opportunities for the next generation of leaders. www.ffa.org
Our partnership with this nonprofit supports women's career development and advancement while helping member companies work toward gender parity. www.womeninag.com/about
www.agfuture.org www.manrrs.org
American Agri-Women
Cultivating Change Foundation
In 2024, we deepened our collaboration with the nation’s largest coalition of women in farm, ranch, and agribusiness, representing more
Valent proudly supports this organization’s mission to create an equitable and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ agriculturists. We serve as a key sponsor and participant in the annual Cultivating Change Summit and Leadership Training, which brings together agricultural professionals, allies, and HR leaders to network, educate, and advocate. www.cultivatingchangefoundation.org
than 20 affiliates across 42 states. www.americanagriwomen.org
Expanding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a vital role in advancing a culture of inclusion at Valent. These voluntary, employee-led groups foster connection, awareness, and professional development in alignment with our company’s values and business goals. Valent now has 11 active ERGs, representing approximately 600 employees, or 75% of our workforce. All employees are encouraged to participate. ERGs provide opportunities to: • Develop future leaders through ERG leadership roles. • Engage allies to promote cultural understanding and awareness. • Increase employee engagement and belonging. • Collaborate on initiatives that support business priorities. In 2024, we launched an ERG Spotlight series during our monthly All-Employee meetings, giving each ERG the opportunity to share its mission, recent activities, and ways for colleagues to get involved.
Throughout the year, ERGs hosted a variety of events and learning experiences, some of which include: • All Employee event with guest speaker Stephen Ritz, who is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning educator, author of best-selling book, The Power Of A Plant and Founder of Green Bronx Machine • A series of virtual chair yoga sessions combining gentle movement, breathing, and mindfulness. • A presentation from Nationwide’s Land As Your Legacy program on farm estate planning and generational transition. • A volunteer partnership with the Kids in Need Foundation, donating 240 backpacks filled with school supplies to R.O. Hardin and Calaveras Elementary Schools in Hollister. • A special International Women’s Day celebration featuring an inspiring keynote from Alexandra Dunn, President & CEO of CropLife America ( see spotlight story “Empowering Growth and Connection for Gender Equality” ).
SDG-5 Spotlight
Empowering Growth and Connection for Gender Equality
In FY24, the Women of Valent Employee Resource Group (ERG) once again demonstrated the company’s commitment to the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality , through an inspiring and unifying International Women’s Day celebration. This year’s event brought together employees from across Valent Group Companies, fostering connection, reflection, and growth in support of an inclusive workplace culture. The celebration featured Alex Dunn, President & CEO of CropLife America, as the keynote speaker. During her visit to Valent BioSciences in Libertyville, Illinois, Alex toured the facility and shared her perspectives on leadership and empowerment, offering eight powerful guideposts for personal and professional development. Her message centered on the importance of finding your champions, stepping outside your comfort zone, and mentoring others, principles that resonate deeply with the values of collaboration and continuous growth that define the Valent community.
To make the event accessible to all employees, it was hosted in a hybrid format, allowing participation from across the organization, including Valent U.S.A. in San Ramon, California; Mycorrhizal Applications in Grants Pass, Oregon; and the biorational manufacturing facility in Osage, Iowa, as well as remote team members throughout the country. This broad engagement reflected the strength of a connected culture, where shared experiences and diverse perspectives drive both individual and collective success. The event also provided a meaningful moment to reflect on the progress achieved toward advancing women’s rights and empowerment, while recognizing that ongoing dialogue and action remain essential. By bringing together voices from across the company, the Women of
Valent ERG created a platform for employees to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and reaffirm their shared commitment to equality and inclusion. Events like this underscore Valent Group Companies’ dedication to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. By championing mentorship, courage, and connection, the Women of Valent ERG continues to empower individuals and strengthen the foundation for gender equality throughout our organization. This celebration not only honored the spirit of International Women’s Day but also reinforced our broader sustainability mission, ensuring that equity, opportunity, and inclusion remain central to who we are and what we strive to achieve.
SDG-9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Midsouth Agricultural Research Center (MSARC) – Leland, Mississippi • Midwest Agricultural Research Center (MWARC) – near Champaign, Illinois • Sustainable Solutions Agricultural Research Center (SSARC) – Yuma, Arizona Together, these sites enable Valent to bring more innovative, science-based solutions to market and to strengthen our role in advancing sustainable agriculture. (See spotlight: “Advancing Agriculture Through Science and Innovation.”) In 2024, we realigned resources and core competencies to expand our Sustainable Solutions Business Unit, increasing our focus on advancing leadership in sustainable agriculture through biorational and botanical innovations. We also continued to engage customers and growers in adopting Valent’s product assessment framework , supported by third-party review from SCS Consulting , to help evaluate and define “sustainable solutions” across our product portfolio. This framework, featuring specific criteria and distinguishable icons, supports growers and customers in achieving more sustainable agricultural practices.
Valent maintains a continuous commitment to innovation, not only for our business but for society as a whole. This commitment reflects the Sumitomo Chemical Group’s founding spirit of Jiri-Rita — “Our business, for society.” Innovation is also central to our vision to be the trusted partner of choice for customers by integrating biorational, botanical, and traditional chemistry innovations with scientific advances, value-added services, and deep expertise. Target 9.4 calls for upgrading infrastructure with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean, environmentally sound technologies and processes. Valent continues to advance these goals through our partnership with My Green Lab , a leading third-party framework that promotes sustainability in laboratory settings. Our North American Innovation Center (NAIC) holds both Platinum and Green certifications under the My Green Lab program, widely recognized as the global gold standard for laboratory sustainability best practices. Target 9.5 aims to enhance scientific research, encourage innovation, and upgrade technological capabilities across sectors to increase productivity. In addition to the NAIC, Valent operates three agricultural research centers that accelerate discovery and development testing for our growing portfolio of crop protection and enhancement solutions:
Partnerships and Innovation in Practice Valent continues to foster sustainable innovation through collaboration and partnership. In 2024, we partnered with Halo , an open innovation platform that connects global scientific expertise, and collaborated with The Ohio State University and Cornell University to explore green technologies for the precise control of next-generation pesticides. These projects advance our R&D capabilities, strengthen our sustainability leadership, and support our commitment to helping growers feed a growing population. Sustainable Packaging Innovation. Our Supply Chain team collaborated with a packaging vendor to design and test a more sustainable tote for one of our key products. The new tote incorporates UV protection to maintain product quality while reducing material use. Its introduction is expected to lower CO₂ emissions and packaging costs, advancing our goals for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. Agricultural Container Stewardship. Valent is a founding member of the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) and continues to support industry-wide stewardship of agricultural packaging. In 2024, ACRC surpassed 257 million pounds of plastic agricultural containers recycled since the program’s inception, equivalent to diverting more than 1.2 million cubic yards of waste from landfills. Through our ongoing partnership, we promote responsible container management, extend the lifecycle of valuable materials, and advance circular solutions that reduce environmental impact across the agriculture industry.
SDG-9 Spotlight
Sustainable Solutions Agricultural Research Center
Valent U.S.A. is driving progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through its work at the Sustainable Solutions Agricultural Research Center (SSARC) in Yuma, Arizona, which opened in 2024. Established in partnership with the University of Arizona’s Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA), the SSARC serves as a central hub for scientific research, product innovation, and collaboration across more than 150 specialty and field crops. Located in one of North America’s most productive agricultural regions, where over 91 percent of the nation’s winter leafy greens are grown, the SSARC was designed to advance sustainable and regenerative agriculture in arid environments. Its partnership with YCEDA provides access to cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary expertise in soil health, crop production, water management, and mechanization, enabling research that directly benefits growers year-round.
At the SSARC, Valent’s research teams evaluate solutions across every stage of the product lifecycle, from early-stage discovery and bioassays that identify new opportunities for crop protection and plant performance to studies that expand labels, refine applications, and strengthen stewardship practices. Through collaboration with academic partners and growers, Valent is bridging scientific discovery and real-world application to create
practical innovations that make agriculture more productive, resilient, and resource- efficient, helping farmers meet today’s challenges while building for the future. By investing in the SSARC, Valent demonstrates its ongoing commitment to science-based innovation, responsible stewardship, and collaborative progress, advancing sustainable and regenerative agriculture that supports both people and the planet.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 12 seeks to transform global consumption and production patterns for long-term sustainability. Valent remains committed to zero- waste operations and to developing products that support sustainable, efficient agricultural systems across North America. Aligned with Target 12.2 , we prioritize sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. Target 12.5 guides our ongoing efforts to minimize waste generation through prevention, recycling, and reuse. Crop protection products play a vital role in improving crop quality and yield, enhancing farming efficiency, and increasing profitability for growers. Valent, together with our parent company Sumitomo Chemical, continues to innovate, delivering effective solutions that meet customer needs while addressing the challenges of modern agriculture.
Our Sustainable Solutions Business Unit (SSBU) actively promotes a diverse portfolio of products and services that foster soil health, provide nutritious food, and support food security for future generations, in line with Target 12.2. To advance Target 12.5 , we implement waste reduction initiatives across our facilities. At our North American Innovation Center, we partnered with Alameda County Industries (ACI) to launch a comprehensive zero-waste program. This 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 suppliers to recycle materials and other consumables.
Partnerships • In 2024, Valent continued its collaboration with America’s Conservation Ag Movement/ Trust in Food, producing a new series of educational videos that highlight our sustainable solutions portfolio and product assessment framework. These efforts, in partnership with Sumitomo Chemical, customers, and growers, advance soil health and promote sustainable food and fiber crop production. • Agricultural Container Stewardship: Valent is a founding member of the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) and supports industry-wide stewardship of agricultural packaging. In 2024, ACRC surpassed 257 million pounds of plastic containers recycled since inception, equivalent to diverting over 1.2 million cubic yards of waste from landfills. Through this ongoing partnership, we promote responsible container management, extend the lifecycle of materials, and advance circular solutions that reduce environmental impact across agriculture.
• Through our network of strategic partnerships with organizations such as CropLife America, CropLife International, the Agricultural Retailers Association, the National Corn Growers Association, the Western Plant Health Association, the Rice Foundation, and the Biological Products Industry Association, we explore initiatives that promote responsible consumption, • Valent is also committed to reducing our environmental footprint across operations. In collaboration with IT vendors, we replaced desktop printers with energy- efficient multifunction printers (MFPs) at multiple Valent sites. This transition reduces paper waste, conserves energy, and lowers maintenance requirements, contributing to our broader environmental sustainability goals. reduce food waste, and enhance sustainability across the industry.
FPO
SDG-12 Spotlight
Aerial Stewardship in Action – Advancing Responsible Application in California Rice
ag retailers, manufacturers, and researchers to collaborate on best practices for aerial stewardship. Classroom sessions, calibration demonstrations, and technology exhibits focused on improving precision and minimizing environmental impact. The data collected through these evaluations helps ensure that Regiment® CA is applied with optimal droplet size, maximizing weed control efficacy while reducing the potential for off-target movement. It’s a tangible example of how Valent integrates science, collaboration, and stewardship to promote the responsible use of crop protection products and protect surrounding ecosystems. To bring this story to life, Valent produced a short video featuring Kristina Madden, Territory Account Manager, and Leanne Becker, Regional Manager, along with partners from the California Agricultural Aircraft Association, Corteva, and others. Their insights highlight the teamwork, technical rigor, and shared responsibility that make aerial stewardship successful in California rice. Watch the Aerial Stewardship in California Rice – Regiment® CA Certification video at youtu.be/ wr_LIFrF_kI?si=hOUgu8j397Bsm7RK
Each year, Valent’s Northern California Field Sales and Field Market Development teams partner to ensure aircraft used in California rice production are certified for the safe and effective application of Regiment® CA herbicide. This rigorous certification process reflects Valent’s strong commitment to product stewardship, regulatory compliance, and responsible use of agricultural inputs, key elements of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. During certification, aircraft are loaded with a formulation blank, containing adjuvants and fertilizer but no active ingredient, to simulate a commercial application. Pilots spray test patterns over moisture-sensitive cards, which are collected and analyzed to assess droplet size and drift potential. If results fall outside precise specifications, aircraft are recalibrated and retested until compliance is achieved. Last year’s certification took place at Farm Air Flying Service in Sacramento, in conjunction with the Aerial Application Technology Field Day and Fly-In. The event brought together pilots,
Valent de México Celebrates 30 Years of “Victories on the Field”
In 2024, Valent de México (VdM) proudly marked its 30 year milestone with a special celebration, honoring three decades of commitment to sustainable agriculture in the Mexican market. Since the company’s establishment, VdM has embraced the diversity and complexity of the Mexican countryside — from varied climates, crops, cultures, colors and flavors — while forging strong partnerships with farmers, distributors, universities, regulatory bodies and government stakeholders. According to César Parada, Managing Director of Valent de México, the anniversary is not just a reflection of longevity but a reaffirmation of the company’s purpose: “Our core focus is on safe food production within Mexico and promoting sustainable practices through strategic alliances and training programs for field technicians.” ( GBR Reports 1 ) He highlights VdM’s commitment to blending innovation and science with environmental responsibility, in alignment with the global sustainability goals of the parent company.
VdM’s sustainable-agriculture focus includes offering biorational and biological solutions — such as plant growth regulators and other precision tools — designed to maximize crop protection and output, while reducing environmental impact. “Innovation offers boundless potential,” says Parada. With approximately 17.6 % market share in the Mexican biological/fungicide/insecticide sector, VdM is driving new product development and portfolio expansion.
The celebration event, held in Cancun, Quintana Roo, brought together the entire VdM team, leadership from the broader group including Sumitomo Chemical, and key partners. It featured presentations, team building activities, and a dedicated “Mujeres” (Women of Valent de México) event to highlight and celebrate the contributions of female colleagues. As a symbolic gesture of the milestone, Sumitomo Chemical President Mito presented Cesar with an image of a red Mt. Fuji, a representation of good fortune and enduring strength.
For three decades, Valent de México has been more than a business in agriculture — it has been a trusted partner in fostering sustainable production systems, building resilience in the Mexican ag industry and supporting the backbone of the country’s economy. The company’s journey underscores how values based leadership, technology, and continuous learning can come together to achieve meaningful “victories on the field.”
Our People: Making a Measurable Impact Across Communities
In FY24, Valent employees and teams contributed thousands of volunteer hours and donations across a wide spectrum of community and environmental initiatives. From supporting local food banks and youth education programs to promoting recycling, sustainable agriculture, and conservation efforts, our people consistently find ways to create meaningful change. Whether organizing backpack drives, mentoring students in agricultural sciences, assisting under-served populations, or participating in environmental stewardship projects, their efforts demonstrate the tangible impact of our shared commitment to social responsibility.
Through these combined efforts, Valent is able to amplify its positive influence beyond the workplace. Employees not only give their time, expertise, and resources but also integrate sustainability into daily practices, such as energy-efficient equipment upgrades, green commuting, and careful resource management in field and lab operations. These initiatives collectively contribute to long-term, measurable benefits for communities, the environment, and the agriculture industry as a whole, reflecting the breadth and depth of Valent’s commitment to making a difference.
In 2024, Valent employee Todd Burkdoll exemplified our commitment to community and sustainable agriculture by donating fresh stone fruit from his family farm each week from May through November. His contributions totaled 18,000 pounds of produce, valued at $36,000, and an additional $15,000 in fruit donated to Veggie Rescue, a nonprofit that redistributes surplus produce to local food programs. Through his generosity, Todd helped reduce food waste and supported access to fresh, healthy food for those in need, reinforcing the values that drive our sustainability efforts.
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