A method for long term storage of a bulk commodity utilizes a flexible, low gas-permeability sheet material enclosure in which the bulk commodity is hermetically sealed. The atmosphere in the sealed flexible sheet material enclosure is substantially evacuated to establish a vacuum therein. The vacuum is maintained during at least a portion of the long term storage of the bulk commodity. At least a portion of the bulk commodity is removed from the flexible, low gas-permeability sheet material enclosure by opening a hermetic seal therein.
A method and a system of transporting a commodity includes the step of placing the commodity in a flexible hermetic container. The commodity is stored in the flexible hermetic container for at least a specific time period. The commodity is then moved from the flexible hermetic container to a shipping container having an insect barrier liner. The commodity is transported in the shipping container. The specific time period is a sufficient time period to kill substantially all of the insects that have infested the commodity prior to placement in the flexible hermetic container. In one embodiment, a vacuum is drawn on the flexible hermetic container to reduce the specific time period and an optional small amount of pesticide can be injected into the flexible hermetic container to which a vacuum has been applied to further reduce the specific time period. An inert gas is used to reduce the specific time period.
