Key Takeaways
- The U.S. EPA has approved the registration of Rapidicil® (epyrifenacil), a new herbicide active ingredient developed by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. and commercialized by Valent U.S.A.
- Rapidicil belongs to the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor class and controls broadleaf weeds and grasses in foliar preplant applications ahead of crops including corn and soybeans.
- The first two Rapidicil-based products — Empera® and Empera Viragess™ — are expected to be commercially available in late 2026.
- The active ingredient supports regenerative agriculture by enabling faster cover crop termination, extending the cover crop window, and facilitating no-till and reduced-tillage systems.
- Valent U.S.A. plans to launch a broader pipeline of Rapidicil-based products across major markets within the next three years.
Valent U.S.A. Wins EPA Approval for Rapidicil Herbicide
Valent U.S.A. has obtained U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration for a new herbicide active ingredient, Rapidicil® (epyrifenacil), developed by its parent company, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. The approval opens the door for the company to bring a novel weed-control chemistry to American farmers, initially targeting preplant applications across a wide range of broadleaf weeds and grasses.
Matt Plitt, president and CEO of Valent U.S.A., described the approval as a meaningful milestone: “This registration will provide growers with a powerful solution, highly effective against a wide range of broadleaf weeds and grasses in foliar preplant applications,” said Matt Plitt, president and CEO, Valent U.S.A. “We appreciate the EPA's science-based regulatory process and approval of this registration, which enables us to bring this innovation to U.S. farmers.”
A New Class of Weed-Control Chemistry
Rapidicil belongs to the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor class of compounds, a category known for disrupting a key enzyme in plant pigment biosynthesis, ultimately leading to cell membrane breakdown in targeted weeds. Field research indicates the compound acts quickly after application, making it well suited to preplant management ahead of major row crops.
The first commercial products built around the new active ingredient will be Empera® and Empera Viragess™, both slated for market availability in late 2026. Valent U.S.A. has described Rapidicil as central to a broader three-year product pipeline targeting sales across major U.S. markets.
“We look forward to introducing herbicides featuring Rapidicil later this year. As we prepare for launch, our team is focused on providing applicator stewardship training and implementing grower experience programs to support the successful use of Rapidicil products,” said Matt Plitt, president and CEO, Valent U.S.A.
Supporting Regenerative Agriculture Practices
Beyond conventional weed control, Valent U.S.A. has positioned Rapidicil as a tool for growers adopting regenerative agriculture practices. The herbicide's fast-acting mode of action allows for more efficient cover crop termination, which the company says can help growers extend their cover cropping window — a key factor in building soil health and supporting carbon neutrality goals.
Rapidicil is also compatible with no-till and reduced-tillage systems. Reduced soil disturbance is associated with lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional tillage approaches, and the inclusion of this chemistry in those systems may offer an additional tool for growers working to cut their operational footprint.
What Comes Next for Valent U.S.A.
With registration secured, Valent U.S.A. says its focus now shifts to grower and applicator education ahead of the late-2026 commercial launch. The company has indicated it will roll out stewardship training programs to ensure correct and effective use of the new products. A wider set of Rapidicil-based formulations is expected to follow, with the full pipeline targeting commercial readiness across multiple markets within three years of this approval.
