"Using diatomaceous earth for stored grain protection"Control of stored product insects is heavily relied on the use of conventional contact insecticides, many of which are applied directly to the product, or aerial insecticides, that are applied as fumigants. Nevertheless, the continuous use of these insecticides has led to the development of resistance by many major insect species, a phenomenon that has taken currently global dimensions. Moreover, some of these active ingredients are particularly toxic for mammals, while their application has negative environmental impact. The gradual withdrawal of all the above has created a considerable gap in stored product protection, especially in products like wheat, barley, maize and rice, which have a fundamental importance for human nutrition.The use of diatomaceous earth in the industry is extremely wide, and its application has been proved safe, that made the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to give the classification GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). Currently, diatomaceous earth is used as an additive to feed and also processed food for human consumption. In this context, the aim of DiatomiteThem is the implementation and exploitation of diatomaceous earths for stored product protection, in the commodities and the facilities of the company THESgi Farmers’ Cooperative of Thessaly. Apart from the evaluation of diatomaceous earth against insects and fungal pathogens, we will provide an integrated techno-economic strategic plan for the use of this technique over the application of conventional methods in stored product protection, i.e.traditionally-used insecticides.