To meet the increasing demands and projected future growth for its MycoApply arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) products, Valent BioSciences LLC has announced the construction of a new manufacturing facility in White City, OR. This new plant will complement the existing headquarters and manufacturing operations for its subsidiary company, Mycorrhizal Applications LLC, in Grants Pass, OR.
In conjunction with the announcement, Valent BioSciences and Mycorrhizal Applications executives, local government officials, and representatives of Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SOREDI) participated in a groundbreaking ceremony that was held at the White City site.
As a leading supplier of mycorrhizal soil inoculants, Mycorrhizal Applications researches and markets mycorrhizal fungi. These specialized fungi colonize plant roots to create a symbiotic root-and-mycelial network within the surrounding soils, increasing efficiency in nutrient and water absorption to optimize plant hardiness and vigor. The White City facility will produce AMF that are utilized in the agriculture, horticulture, and turf and ornamental markets.
AMF sequester carbon effectively in the soil, supporting parent company Sumitomo Chemical Company’s goal of achieving a 50% reduction of greenhouse gas by 2030 and helping meet its pledge to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2050. AMF also act as a direct carbon capture technology, which is trademarked as EcoDAC by Sumitomo Chemical.
“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,” says Valent BioSciences President and CEO Salman Mir. “We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the community and look forward to expanding our business and fostering new relationships in White City and southern Oregon in the years ahead.”