Key Takeaways
- Valent BioSciences announces the construction of a new manufacturing facility in White City, Oregon.
- The facility will produce arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) products, which are crucial for efficient nutrient and water absorption in plants.
- The new plant aims to meet the increasing demand for AMF products in agriculture, horticulture, and turf and ornamental markets.
- AMF products also contribute to carbon sequestration, aligning with parent company Sumitomo Chemical’s sustainability goals.
- The construction marks an expansion of Valent BioSciences’ operations in southern Oregon, where its subsidiary Mycorrhizal Applications was founded over 25 years ago.
The New Facility
Valent BioSciences, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., has announced the construction of a new manufacturing facility in White City, Oregon. This new plant will complement the existing operations of its subsidiary, Mycorrhizal Applications, in Grants Pass, Oregon. The facility aims to produce arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) products, which are essential for enhancing nutrient and water absorption in plants.
Importance of AMF in Agriculture
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a vital role in agriculture by forming a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. This relationship enhances the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water, thereby improving plant hardiness and vigor. The new facility will focus on producing AMF products for various markets, including agriculture, horticulture, and turf and ornamental sectors.
Sustainability Goals
The AMF products not only benefit plant growth but also contribute to carbon sequestration in the soil. This aligns with the sustainability goals of parent company Sumitomo Chemical, which aims for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net carbon neutrality by 2050. AMF also act as a direct carbon capture technology, trademarked as EcoDAC™ by Sumitomo Chemical.
Community Impact
The construction of the new facility marks an expansion of Valent BioSciences’ operations in southern Oregon. “We are excited to begin construction in White City and expand our operations in southern Oregon, where Mycorrhizal Applications was founded more than 25 years ago,” said Valent BioSciences President and CEO Salman Mir. The company has enjoyed a strong partnership with the community and looks forward to fostering new relationships in the years ahead.
