Planet: Supporting Responsible Stewardship of Agricultural Ecosystems

The Planet Pillar

The natural resources that sustain agriculture — soil, water, air, and surrounding ecosystems — are essential to a resilient food system. Protecting these systems while supporting productive crop management is central to how Valent U.S.A. evaluates the solutions it brings to market.

Sustainability at Valent is guided by three interconnected pillars: people, planet, and productivity. Together, these pillars shape product development and real-world application, reinforcing a balanced approach that protects natural resources, supports operational performance, and helps enable the consistent production of high-quality crops.

 

 

 

 

The Planet pillar focuses on the environmental systems that make modern agriculture possible. Through defined sustainability criteria, Valent evaluates how products and practices support responsible stewardship, conservation-minded production, and long-term agricultural resilience.

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Three primary criteria guide this evaluation. Each is supported by a structured review process, and products that meet established thresholds are designated with corresponding criteria icons.

	Environmental Fit Supports responsible stewardship through product characteristics and use practices designed to help minimize potential environmental impact while maintaining effective crop management.
	Conservation Tillage Highlights solutions evaluated for their ability to support conservation tillage systems and protect water quality through residue retention and reduced soil disturbance.
	Soil Health Recognizes products assessed for compatibility with practices that build soil structure, improve water retention, and strengthen long-term agricultural sustainability.

 

Protecting crops while safeguarding surrounding ecosystems is fundamental to sustainable agriculture. Valent evaluates products for environmental fit, considering regulatory standards, product characteristics, and real-world application practices that promote responsible use from development through container recycling.

Environmental fit assessments focus on maximizing agronomic benefits while helping minimize potential risks to pollinators, nearby habitats, and sensitive areas. When used according to the label, Valent solutions are designed to support effective crop protection with minimal persistence and no habitat restrictions, helping growers manage crops responsibly across diverse production environments.

By aligning performance with stewardship, Valent reinforces the role environmental responsibility plays in long-term agricultural success.

Supporting Conservation Tillage and Water Quality

Conservation systems help protect soil structure and water resources while maintaining productive farmland. Valent solutions are evaluated for their ability to support reduced- and no-till operations, enabling growers to maintain surface residue while effectively managing weeds and crop challenges.

Residue retention and reduced soil disturbance can contribute to improved water infiltration, reduced erosion, and protection of nearby waterways. Valent’s agronomic expertise supports performance in conservation systems, helping growers integrate environmental stewardship into day-to-day field operations.

These practices illustrate how crop protection solutions can align operational efficiency with responsible land management.

Advancing Soil Health and Long-Term Resilience

Healthy soils are foundational to sustainable food production. Valent evaluates products for compatibility with practices that promote soil health, including conservation tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping systems.

These approaches help build organic matter, improve soil structure, and enhance water-holding capacity. Stronger soils are better positioned to withstand drought, heat, and heavy rainfall, supporting stable crop production across changing conditions.

By encouraging compatibility with soil-building practices, Valent solutions contribute to farmland resilience today and long-term agricultural viability for future generations.

A Planet-Focused Approach to Sustainable Agriculture

By prioritizing environmental fit, conservation practices, and soil health, Valent reinforces its commitment to protecting the natural resources agriculture depends on.

This planet-focused approach is one of the three pillars guiding Valent’s broader sustainability strategy, alongside supporting people and advancing productivity to help secure the future of agriculture.

To learn more about Valent U.S.A.’s sustainability commitments and how the people, planet, and productivity pillars work together, visit our sustainability criteria page.