Valent U.S.A. announces U.S. EPA registration of Rapidicil® herbicide

Rapidicil herbicide formulations will support regenerative agriculture and be available for use in late 2026

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valent U.S.A. today announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the registration of a new herbicide active ingredient Rapidicil® (epyrifenacil), developed by Valent’s parent company, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

“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.”

Rapidicil is a novel herbicide that will be central to a pipeline of products planned for sales in major markets within the next three years. It belongs to a class of compounds known as protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors and may be used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. The first two products utilizing the new herbicide active ingredient -- Empera® and Empera Viragess™ -- will be available for use in late 2026.

“We look forward to introducing herbicides featuring Rapidicil later this year,” Plitt added. “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.”

Extensive field research demonstrates that Rapidicil is a fast-acting herbicide for effective weed control when applied preplant ahead of multiple crops, including corn and soybeans. It also contributes to regenerative agriculture practices. Rapidicil enables fast, effective cover crop termination, helping growers extend their cover crop window which can support better soil health, and carbon neutrality. Rapidicil provides pre-plant weed control in no-till and reduced-tillage systems. These practices can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared with conventional tillage practices.

About Valent U.S.A.

Valent U.S.A. LLC, headquartered in San Ramon, Calif. and a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd, develops and markets products in the United States, Canada and Mexico that advance sustainable agriculture, protect crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, and beautify the environment. Valent U.S.A. products include a well-known line of quality herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and plant growth regulator products for agricultural, seed protection and professional use. Valent is a leader in marketing and sales of both traditional chemical products and biorational products. For more information about Valent or our full product line, please call 800-6-VALENT (682-5368) or visit valent.com.

About Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies. It currently operates businesses in four sectors — Agro & Life Solutions Sector, ICT & Mobility Solutions Sector, Advanced Medical Solutions Sector, and Essential & Green Materials Sector — and supplies solutions (technologies and products) worldwide that underpin a wide variety of industries and people’s lives. For additional information, visit the company’s website at https://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/.