The International Conferences on Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation in Stored Products (CAF) are the major international forums 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 treatment of a broad range of durable and other commodities held in storage utilizing controlled atmosphere or chemical fumigation for the control of pests.

Over the years, the conference objectives have been refined to report on advances in research and development and the current status of controlled atmosphere and fumigation for insect pests, microflora, and quality control in stored products. These conferences cover the treatment of products such as cereal grains, oilseeds, legumes, root crops, dried fruits, nuts and vegetables, and other agricultural products including bulbs and flowers. However, the CAF conferences do not cover controlled atmosphere treatments for the quality preservation of fresh agricultural products.

The major highlight of the CAF2024 was the preparation of a book edited by Digvir S. Jayas based on 18 invited chapters summarizing knowledge from the past 40 or so years on topics dealing with different aspects of controlled atmospheres and fumigation. A copy of the book was provided to each participant of the CAF2024. Other highlights of the CAF2024 based on the submitted papers were: a) the increased use of hermetic storage in bags for coffee and pulses in warm climates worldwide; b) the increased use of TranSafeLiners (TSL) (hermetic bags the size of container) that has become a big commercial success for cocoa beans transported around the world; c) niche applications of modified or controlled atmospheres in private houses, food industries, and museums; d) increased use of vacuum technology; and e) the increased use of ethyl formate as a significant alternative to methyl bromide.

It should be noted that statistics on the use of hermetic storage are not available. This information is based on personal communications. The use of hermetic storage in bags, in warehouses, or in TSLs in tropical countries reveals that it also controls infestation, taste, aroma, and free fatty acids (FFA) very well.

The establishment of the International Steering Committee followed the first Symposium held in Rome in May 1980 organized by Assoreni and the first Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited and the Australian Grain Institute Incorporated. The second one, which included fumigation, was held in Perth, Western Australia in 1983. This second symposium was given the title “International Symposium on Controlled Atmospheres and Fumigation” (CAF). Then, the CAF International Permanent Committee emerged from the International Steering Committee in 1983 in Perth, West Australia. Only in CAF 1996, in Cyprus, was the title of “International Conference on Controlled Atmospheres and Fumigation in Stored Products” adopted. The Conferences after CAF Perth, Australia (1983) were in Singapore (1989); Winnipeg, Canada (1992); Nicosia, Cyprus (1996); Fresno, USA (2000); Gold Coast, Australia (2004); Chengdu, China (2008); Antalya, Turkey (2012); New Delhi, India (2016), and virtually from Winnipeg (2021).

The 12^th International Conferences on Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation in Stored Products (CAF2024), next in the series, was held in Winnipeg, Canada, from August 18 to 23, 2024. The Local Organizing Committee included members from the CAF International Permanent Committee under the leadership of Dr. Digvir S. Jayas. The Local Organizing Committee members were from the University of Manitoba, Agriculture of Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Grain Commission, Canada. The CAF Conference Local Organizing Committee did a great job in organizing the conference and in producing high-quality refereed proceedings.

The chapters of the commemorative book were presented as the keynote presentations during the CAF2024. In addition to the book, the proceedings were edited by Prof. Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, Prof. Dr. Chandra B. Singh, and Prof. Dr. Fuji Jian, including 29 full papers and 43 abstracts, all of which were presented orally during the conference held over four days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). Technical tours and a banquet were organized in the middle of the conference (Wednesday). Two workshops entitled “Dynamic Phosphine Fumigation – Precise Monitoring for Guaranteed Fumigation Success” and “Phosphine Fumigation” were organized by world leading experts. The technical support provided by Judith Mate in preparation for the book of proceedings is greatly appreciated; the assistance of Lisa Neufeld, Gage DeSteur, and Vimala SK Bharathi of the University of Lethbridge, AB, Canada in completing many organizational tasks is also greatly appreciated.

Prof. Dr. Shlomo Navarro, Chair, CAF International Conferences Permanent Committee.

Prof. Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, Secretary, CAF International Conferences Permanent Committee and Chair, CAF2024 Local Organizing Committee.

Prof. Dr. Chandra B. Singh, Treasurer, CAF2024 Local Organizing Committee.

Prof. Dr. Fuji Jian, Secretary, CAF2024 Local Organizing Committee.