Red Tractor defines two types of grain storage within its assurance standards.
- Temporary stores (can be used from harvest up to 31st October)
- Long-term stores (can be used all year)
Firstly, it’s important to note that the difference is determined by the construction of the store, not the length of time that the grain is being stored. The suitability of grain storage areas must be considered in relation to the potential risks to the crop, and this determines whether grain can be stored there on a short or long-term basis.
Temporary grain stores
For temporary stores, buildings can be open sided with no doors. Roofing must be sound and guttering in good condition to keep the crop dry. Floors and walls must be suitably constructed to prevent contamination from soil, stones, loose concrete, or other debris.
Livestock buildings can be used for temporary storage, but livestock and grain cannot be kept in the store at the same time. Prior to storing grain, the building must be thoroughly cleaned, pressure washed and sanitised with a combined food grade detergent / disinfectant and allowed to dry before grain is tipped. Records must be kept as evidence of cleaning activities.
Generally, this type of store can only be used until 31st October. If you are at risk of exceeding this out loading date, then a derogation must be sought from your certification body, either Intertek SAI Global or NSF, as soon as possible. Although derogations are not guaranteed, blanket derogations have previously been granted where there has been widespread supply chain issues or weather disruption.
Long-term grain stores
The most notable difference with long-term grain storage is the requirement for buildings to be weather, bird and vermin-proof. The roof must be free from leaks, broken cladding, and damaged guttering. Doors must fit and close properly. Particular attention should be given to rubber strips on the bottom of roller doors, runners on sliding doors and general fitting of hinged doors to prevent vermin access through these gaps. Yorkshire boarding alone is not acceptable for long-term stores, but, if a well fitted close-mesh netting or similar material is attached to the boarding then this may be satisfactory.
Long-term storage is a building usually dedicated to grain; however multi-purpose stores can be acceptable. If the building is also used to store machinery, a safe distance must be maintained to avoid contamination (e.g., possible oil leaks, mud, stones, or crop debris). Livestock should not be housed in the grain store at the same time. If the store has been used for housing livestock this is satisfactory providing the construction of the building meets the above requirements, and rules for cleaning and disinfecting have been followed.
The main requirement of a long-term store is that the building must be of a suitable construction as not to allow ingress of water, rodents, and birds. In this case, grain can be stored all year round.
Red Tractor concludes that ultimately, whether grain is stored in a temporary or long-term store, all storage should be in a manner that protects against contamination and does not compromise quality.
