Valent expands efforts to protect soil

LIBERTYVILLE - Valent BioSciences LLC announced several strategic initiatives that highlight the importance of healthy soil and sustainable crop production.

The initiatives are in support of World Soil Day, which takes place this year on Saturday, Dec. 5, the company said. Libertyville-based Valent develops, manufactures and commercializes biorational, nontoxic pesticides, herbicides and products.

Valent BioSciences employees are also encouraged to engage in hands-on, soil-related activities through a variety of volunteer initiatives. One example is the company's relationship with the local Lake County Forest Preserves, which gives employees an opportunity to participate firsthand in seed harvesting, soil cultivation, and other activities. The company is seeking to expand this partnership next year to further study the role of soil microorganisms within natural, Midwest ecosystems.

"Soil health is the new frontier in agriculture, and the future of sustainable crop production truly depends upon the living ecosystem underground," said Steve Wiest, Valent BioSciences' global business director.