Miller Magazine Issue: 139 July 2021

52 COVER STORY MILLER / july 2021 INTRODUCTION There is an increasing global need of energy consump- tion and footprint reduction in our industry and moreover, the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of United Na- tions) claims that over one third of food production is wast- ed every year before consumed. Thus, the importance of preserving your stored grain is critical to meet the growing global food demands. Other more specific assessments on grain storage proves that grain losses during storage is about 1 to 5% in temperate climates and about 10% in warmer climates. Population growth increases food demand and changing climate conditions are affecting the agricultural productivity worldwide. The cereal production has always been higher if compared to the utilization rate, apart from the last few years where the trend has changed, becoming equal or lower. The consequence of this is a flattening of stock level trends (See Fig. 1), with a main concern that cereal bulk pric- es have the potential to continue to increase in the future. Finally, under investigation is the correlation between aller- genic and storage conditions and treatments. Understanding that grain losses can be reduced through proper grain conditioning and that the efficiencies of the aeration systems can be improved by provisions and best practices already available, it is easy to recognize the im- portance that education and training around the benefits of sustainable storage and aeration can have on global food challenges and future generations. It is important to note that every grain system comes with unique challenges and components that must be consid- ered. There are many factors that must be considered to deliver the right aeration system for the project including airflow requirements and size of the system. AGI’s engineers design storage solutions with the purpose of securing the value of the stored commodity inside. Aeration is one of the most common and safest practice available to preserve the stored grains quality in both industrial and farm facilities without the use of chemicals. Its proper implementation has a significant role in the prevention of kernel deterioration, grain losses due to insect and mold infestations. Along with these, aeration also provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution that limits the risk of pests developing resistance to chemical agents and final- ly, can potentially improve business performances. Common Practices and Technologies for Efficient & Sustainable Grain Conditioning Francesco Selva Senior Director of Product Management, Storage & Structures AGI