GREEN COFFEE ASSOCIATION Member Guidance on Increased Infestation Incidents The Green Coffee Association has noted a significant

increase in the number of green coffee shipments arriving into the United States infested with psocids, mites and beetles. These instances include shipments carrying orders of prior fumigation, further confirmed and documented by fumigation certificates provided and included in respective document presentations. Following a review by the GCA Traffic & Warehouse Committee, several explanations for this spike in infestations have been considered. While recent climate conditions may be a factor, other possibilities have been identified: Fumigation operations not witnessed or supervised to ensure proper performance Inexperienced or underqualified technicians Fumigation procedures not properly followed o Failure to cover/seal all container vents prior to fumigation o Insufficient exposure time to fumigant allowed Faulty fumigation products being used Packaging material including conventional bags and liner bags not stored under clean conditions Loading operations performed under damp conditions.

While a formal scientific investigation has not yet been conducted, GCA would like to offer some practical advice to guide members in discussions with their suppliers as to measures that can be taken to address the infestation issue: Perform inspections of their coffee processing and packaging facilities and eliminate any sources of infestation or insect development, including wet or damp areas, open trash, and other unsanitary conditions Ensure bags, liner bags and kraft paper for container lining are stored in dry and sanitary conditions and away from open doors and windows Review the credentials of their engaged fumigation companies, ensuring any required licensing authority Ensure that only qualified fumigation technicians are employed to perform the fumigation services Review the fumigation procedures being followed, including: o Sealing of container vents and doors o Exposure periods within product-indicated temperature parameters.

GCA also suggests that members take the following forensic steps to help tackle the larger issue: Report all instances of infestation to suppliers Request that suppliers investigate all re-infestation instances with their fumigation companies.

GCA will continue to track and monitor this situation and keep membership apprised as developments unfold.