Valent BioSciences is leading the charge in sustainable agriculture, public health protection, and forest stewardship through science-driven innovation. A global force with boots on the ground in all 50 U.S. states and across Brazil, Europe, Central America, Africa and Asia, Valent BioSciences is also on a mission to reshape perceptions around biostimulants. By prioritizing research-backed, long-term solutions, the company is working to establish biostimulants as credible, essential tools in modern agriculture built on proven science and farmer success. 

In a recent interview with Illinois Field & Bean Magazine, Valent BioSciences’ Director of Sales & Technical Services Ben Dahlstrom and Technical Agronomist Drew Harmon highlighted the company’s coast-to-coast presence, global research and development efforts, and crucial partnerships with universities. With a mission statement of “Sustaining Generations Through Bioscience” and over 50 PhDs focused on biological innovation, Valent BioSciences aims to position biostimulants as essential tools for sustainable, productive farming. 

Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that are applied to plants or soil to enhance natural processes that improve nutrient uptake, plant growth, stress tolerance, crop quality, yield and many others. Unlike fertilizers or pesticides, biostimulants don’t add nutrients or ward off pests. Instead, they work behind the scenes – enhancing the plant’s natural functions and improving soil conditions to support healthier, more resilient growth.   

Working with biostimulants in production agriculture comes with many successes, but they still face skepticism. “The stigma around the use of biostimulants stems from a ‘death-by-a-thousand-cuts’ situation,” says Harmon. “This segment of the industry is so well saturated, which makes it hard for farmers to navigate which products or tools will be effective.” However, since Valent BioSciences is primarily focused on research and development (R&D) that’s backed by their team of PhDs, their sales team can be confident in the effectiveness of the products they provide to farmers.  

Aside from their PhD-backed research, Valent BioSciences prides itself on standing apart from other companies in the industry by providing research for future generations. “As a Japanese-owned company, we think long-term,” says Dahlstrom. “We’re looking at not just what we can offer farmers today, but what we can offer them three, five or even 10 years down the line.”  

Valent BioSciences also works with many different companies and organizations, specifically universities. The team’s strategy on who to work with is based on two main aspects: who has the technical knowledge and competency, and who has an ear for the individual grower. Through this strategy, the team can identify the best of the best researchers not just in Illinois, but across the U.S. For instance, the team works closely with Dan Quinn, Ph.D., Extension Corn Specialist at Purdue University—an influential authority widely respected as the voice of Indiana corn. Valent BioSciences seeks out flagship experts at leading institutions such as the University of Illinois, The Ohio State University, Mizzou, and Kansas State University, recognizing the critical role these universities play in shaping agricultural innovation and grower trust nationwide. 

So, why should Illinois farmers care about the strides Valent BioSciences is making in the agricultural industry? The answer is simple: Valent BioSciences is right here. In Libertyville, Ill., Valent BioSciences houses their Biorational Research Center for biostimulants, making their research, education and development extremely accessible for all Illinois farmers. The facility features research labs, biorational technologies and crop protection site selling points, which include biofungicides and bioinsecticides.  

As biostimulants continue gaining traction in modern agriculture, companies like Valent BioSciences are proving that science, transparency and long-term vision can pave the way for greater farmer confidence and success. With a global footprint and a strong presence right here in Illinois, Valent BioSciences is not only investing in cutting-edge research, but also in the future of farming—helping growers build more resilient, productive operations for generations to come.