Organic Grain

Consumer demand for organic grain products is increasing. As such, the international trade for these products is likely to grow.

Grain crops are given organic status by recognised national bodies. To achieve organic status, certain standards of farm management must be met. This includes the sustainable use of land, protection from contamination by bordering land and limiting the use of chemicals.

Non-organic grains have been carried in bulk carriers and general cargo vessels for many years. Carriage and fumigation practices are tried and tested. The carriage of organic grains introduces new challenges; particularly the risk of contamination by chemicals or non-organic produce.

The basis for good storage and safe transport of organic crops is proper planning, good management and high standards of hygiene.

Importance of Certification

There are usually two certificates issued with organic cargoes:

• a phytosanitary certificate; and
• an organic status verification certificate issued by the exporting country’s organic body.

The organic certificate is extremely important. An incident, event or error that results in the cargo losing its organic certification can end up with it losing a large proportion of its value. If the carrying vessel is responsible or liable for this loss of its organic status, they could be presented with a significant claim.

Pest Control

One of the main challenges in shipping organic grains by sea is pest control.

The use of pesticides is detailed in IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1358 “Recommendations On The Safe Use Of Pesticides In Ships”. It provides guidance on the safe use of contact insecticides and fumigants.

Some organic contact insecticides are available, but they cannot be used on a cargo that has already been loaded into the ship’s hold as they cannot penetrate deep into the stow. These pesticides are only effective if sprayed onto the cargo before loading, or used for localised treatment.

If there is an intention to use a contact insecticide, it must comply with the relevant organic certification body. Be aware that some insecticides described as being “natural” are still prohibited. Remember that contact insecticides will only treat the surface of the cargo.

Treatment of grain cargoes in the ship’s holds has traditionally been through fumigation. However, the use of the common fumigants, such as methyl bromide and phosphines, is strictly forbidden by organic certification bodies.

An alternative would be to carry the cargo under a controlled atmosphere. This involves introducing and maintaining high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen (N2) in the hold. At time of writing we are not aware of any instances where this has been carried out. Effective hold sealing would be vital and equipment would be needed to supply and inject the inert gas. This could be through the use of compressed gas bottles or a CO2 or N2  generator.

CO2 is approved by the organic bodies to treat products that have been infested with insects. This requires a concentration of 35-60% carbon dioxide for anywhere between 4 to 21 days. But it is understood that it is not always fully effective.

There are some more alternative methods but these can only be carried out pre-shipment. These include: aeration cooling which involves forcing cool air through the grain; and heat treatment where the grain is briefly raised above 63°C before being rapidly cooled.

The options for on board pest control of organic grain cargoes are limited. Pre- shipment treatment must be the preferred option. Vessels should record any details of pre-shipment treatment that they are given by shippers. The shipper’s advice should be followed carefully.

Avoiding Contamination

It is very important that organic cargoes are kept separated from non-organic cargoes. This is to prevent cross-contamination. Areas where cross-contamination could occur should be identified and control measures put in place. Strict access control to the holds should be in force and records kept.

Take care when a non-organic cargo in another hold is under phosphine fumigation. The organic cargo’s status could also be lost if any of the gas leaks out and reaches the hold. Organic cargoes are routinely tested at discharge and if traces of unauthorised fumigants are detected then this will lead to the loss of certification.

As with any grain cargo, the holds must be cleaned to a ‘grain clean’ standard before loading. However, when preparing the hold for organic grain cargoes it is very important to remove all traces of any cleaning chemicals that were used. Perhaps seek advice on the use of cleaning chemicals from the shipper.

Remember, cargo hold cleaning records provide valuable evidence in the event of a claim.

After Discharge

Due to the restrictions on the use of fumigants, there is a higher risk of infestation in organic grain cargoes. After discharge has been completed, it is possible that infested cargo residues will remain in the cargo hold. It is therefore important that the hold is properly cleaned before carrying any further cargoes.

Pest Management

The vessel may already have an effective pest control management program in place. Detailed records of the programme should be kept. These records could act as evidence in the event of a claim. Any existing program should be checked to make sure it is compatible with organic cargo if/when carried.

Naturally, good housekeeping and proper garbage/waste management can go a long way to prevent pests.

Responsibilities

It is clear that the carriage of organic cargoes presents new risks to the carrier. The financial impact of losing organic status must not be underestimated. Shipowners and carriers should ensure they receive full and written instructions on hold preparation, carriage and pest control from the shippers or charterers. They may also wish to protect themselves as far as possible by using a suitably claused charterparty.