Valent and FFA Launch Sustainability in Agriculture Lesson Series

New lesson series brings real-world science into today’s online and in-person agriculture classrooms

SAN RAMON, Calif., Aug. 11, 2020 — Valent U.S.A. has partnered with the National FFA Organization to provide teachers across the United States with a first-of-its-kind “Sustainability in Agriculture Lesson Series.” The curriculum is available through FFA’s educator resources platform and is a free tool for both classroom and distance learning environments.

Developed in response to feedback from agriculture educators, the Valent and FFA team created eight lesson plans. These lessons help middle and high school students better understand sustainable agriculture. In addition, they explore sustainability practices, highlight trends in the food value chain and prepare students to become informed agricultural leaders and consumers.

“Teachers right now need innovation, technology and sustainability at the forefront of their lessons,” said Megan McGrady, senior education consultant in FFA’s programs and events division. “As future growers and consumers, students need to understand how sustainability applies to the industry. This lesson series gives teachers the tools to explain its importance and relevance.”

Understanding sustainability also gives students valuable perspective. As a result, it helps them become more informed consumers. The lessons highlight the real-world decisions farmers make every day and show how those choices impact agriculture and the environment.

“We are proud of our nearly 20-year partnership with National FFA and our shared goal to cultivate bright, innovative leaders in agriculture,” said Matt Plitt, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Valent U.S.A. “We’re excited about this collaboration and the opportunity to equip teachers with tools that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities in sustainable agriculture.”

Valent U.S.A. and its parent company, Sumitomo Chemical, have a long-standing commitment to sustainability. This approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality Education. This goal focuses on increasing access to relevant technical and vocational skills through education, including agricultural learning.

By introducing sustainability concepts early, Valent and FFA aim to help students become agriculturally literate for life.

For More Information

Steve Tatum
(925) 951-3164
[email protected]

About the National FFA

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members across more than 8,600 chapters in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters nationwide.

About Valent U.S.A.

Valent U.S.A. LLC, headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., develops and markets products in the United States, Canada and Mexico that advance sustainable agriculture, protect crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, beautify the environment and safeguard public health. Valent products include a well-known line of herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and plant growth regulator products for agricultural, seed protection and professional use. Valent is a leader in both traditional chemical products and biorational solutions developed by its affiliate, Valent BioSciences LLC. For more information, visit valent.com.