The International Conferences on Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation in Stored Products (CAF) have become the major international forum for reporting advances in research and development of gaseous treatments for the preservation of stored commodities.

The conferences, which are held every four years, encompass the broad range of durable and other commodities held in storage that utilise controlled atmosphere or fumigation - provided the treatments are directed to the control of pests.

Products such as cereal grains, legumes, root crops, dried fruits, nuts and vegetables, and other agricultural products including bulbs and flowers are covered by these conferences. However, the CAF conferences do not cover controlled atmosphere CA treatments for quality preservation of fresh agricultural products.

This conference will be the 7 th in the series. Held against the background of i) the continuing phase out of methyl bromide, with the associated requirement for alternatives to replace it and ii) the need to ensure the continued and sustainable availability of phosphine against the pressures of increasing resistance to this valuable fumigant – as the frontline replacement for methyl bromide.

It has as its theme – Sustainable Fumigation and Controlled Atmosphere Alternatives . Aspects of this theme will be reflected in plenary and session presentations to be delivered by invited and contributing authors throughout the conference.

• To report on and assess advances in research and development against the current status of controlled atmosphere and fumigation for insect pests, microflora and quality control in stored products.
• To evaluate the technical, environmental and economic advantages of, and examine the potential for, emerging controlled atmosphere and fumigation technologies.
• To evaluate and discuss potential alternative control methods in view of the threat to reduce or phase out use of chemical fumigants, in general, and methyl bromide in particular.
• To provide a forum for interchange of ideas between government authorities, research agencies and industry.
• To enable the industry to display the latest commodity treatment, monitoring, handling and storage equipment, facilities and services.
• To discuss, disseminate information, and allow transfer of technologies applying controlled atmosphere and fumigation.