ProFume Discussed at International Millers Conference

AUSTIN, Texas — Jeff Welker, sales manager for Dow AgroSciences, provided a regulatory and field use update on ProFume® gas fumigant at the International Association of Operative Millers 110th Annual Conference & Expo, held May 20-24, 2006, in Austin, Texas.

Many millers, processors and fumigators are finding that ProFume® gas fumigant is an effective solution to their stored product pest control problems. According to Dow AgroSciences, field trials and commercial use continue to demonstrate the performance success of ProFume gas fumigant, which has now been used at more than 120 fumigations across the United States since initial registration in April of 2004 and in nearly 70 research field trials at commercial sites since 1997.

“ProFume gas fumigant is emerging as a promising solution because it optimizes businesses’ operational needs and delivers effective, reliable control of stored product pests that infest facilities and commodities,” said Welker. “While providing broad-spectrum control of a variety of pests, it offers key benefits such as minimum downtime, no corrosive effects, excellent penetration and rapid aeration, so facilities can quickly resume production.”

Regulatory milestones include registration for dried fruit and tree nut tolerances for processing as well as small grains tolerances for milling in all 50 states and Canada. ProFume also has a full post-harvest use pattern, with 54 specific food tolerances registered for food handling establishments in 49 states (Calif. pending) and Puerto Rico. Furthermore, ProFume is registered for use in many other countries including Canada, Switzerland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and France.

“In addition, a CODEX expedited review is currently underway and anticipated to be announced later this year,” said Welker. “Once international food tolerances are granted, that will open many doors for ProFume to be used internationally for export and in geographies around the world.”

“We’re very encouraged because millers and fumigators are telling us that they are very satisfied with their success with ProFume,” said Welker. “In fact, 96 percent of the customers we surveyed indicated that they would use ProFume again and the remaining 4 percent remain undecided.”

Welker also noted that Precision Fumigation™ tools and techniques play a key role in how ProFume is used, giving millers and processors more control than ever over their fumigations. Precision Fumigation allows applicators flexibility to customize fumigation plans that will ultimately enhance the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of their treatments.

“Precision Fumigation integrates all the factors affecting control, such as pest biology, temperature, exposure time and improved sealing techniques into a fumigation management plan,” Welker said. “Such a fumigation plan provides customers unmatched efficacy to ensure control of postharvest pests, unprecedented application flexibility and notable cost management benefits for the operation.”

Since ProFume became commercially available in 2004, millers, processors and applicators are embracing its features and benefits Welker said. “In addition, fumigant expertise and unmatched customer support from Dow AgroSciences have helped enhance ProFume as an outstanding and viable solution – minus risks to the ozone and issues related to other treatment options. Customers like the fact that fumigation with ProFume, coupled with Precision Fumigation tools and techniques, delivers effective and reliable pest control while optimizing their operational needs.”

For more information about ProFume® gas fumigant, visit www.ProFume.com.