11/24/05 Valent`s plans to expand

Valent is a recognized name within Northwest tree fruit industry circles as a company that offers beneficial chemical products to aid in the orchard. Valent is most noted for its line of growth regulators. KITT: With all of our p.g.r. products including "Retain" and all of those types of products, those products are focused on bottom line results or dollars or the grower. You spend the money to make the money. But as Mark Kitt of Valent points out, the company is more than just about growth regulator products. It has continually expanded into other product lines. For example, Valent has progressed to offer products designed for non p.g.r. purposes. KITT: We are also offer "Chateau" which is a weed control product for orchards. Excellent control, small seeded broadleaves and grasses that they use to keep the orchard floors clean. And Kitt adds the product line expansion is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. KITT: And then we have a strong R and D effort currently in the fruit market looking at fungicides and also insecticides. And the reason for this drive of expansion on Valent's part? Kitt says the bottom line has something to do with it, sure, but the underlying motive is company pride. KITT: Valent is currently a leader in the apple industry and we intend to be stronger in the future.