ASTM D8465-23

Standard Guide for Whole Hemp Seed Storage at Primary Production Facilities

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Product wastage will be reduced if spoilage is avoided or the potential for spoilage is identified earlier in the process. High moisture can result in conditions favorable to microbial growth, mold, and conditions leading to rancidity.  
4.2 Testing for moisture content can assist in proactively managing damage to seed before it is not rectifiable or provide information to retarget seed to other feasible by-product streams.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide can be used by hemp farmers, hemp seed processing companies, and hemp agricultural extension agents to help manage against potential seed spoilage during storage.  
1.2 This applies to broadacre production of hemp seed intended for human consumption.  
1.3 This guide does not apply to hemp plants grown indoors or for purposes other than for harvesting of hemp seed intended for food within outdoor production conditions.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2023
• ICS: 65.020.20 - Plant growing
• Technical Committee: D37 - Cannabis
• Drafting Committee: D37.07 - Industrial Hemp

Overview

ASTM D8465-23 - Standard Guide for Whole Hemp Seed Storage at Primary Production Facilities provides essential best practices for managing the storage of whole hemp seed at the farm level. This guide is focused on outdoor, broadacre production of hemp seed intended for human consumption and is aimed at reducing product wastage and spoilage by identifying and controlling factors that influence seed quality, such as moisture content and temperature. The standard serves as a practical reference for hemp farmers, seed processing companies, and agricultural extension agents, helping ensure the safety, quality, and marketability of hemp seed during the critical post-harvest period.

Key Topics

• Moisture Content Management:
  Controlling moisture content is fundamental to preventing microbial growth, mold, and the development of rancidity in stored hemp seeds. The guide recommends monitoring and maintaining seed moisture between 5% to 9% by weight, using reliable grain moisture meters for accuracy.

• Aeration and Drying:
  Effective aeration and, if necessary, supplemental heat are crucial for achieving uniform drying and preventing hotspots within storage bins. Proper airflow rates (e.g., 1 cfm per bushel with aeration) are central to safe grain storage.

• Cleaning and Conditioning:
  Removal of non-seed plant material, weed seeds, and other debris-referred to as cleaning and conditioning-improves the uniformity of drying and reduces the risk of spoilage.

• Storage Monitoring:
  Regular checks for temperature, moisture, and indicators of spoilage (such as mold, crusting, pooled water, or heating) are essential in the first six weeks after storage and should be continued throughout the storage period.

• Safe Handling and Equipment Use:
  To maintain seed integrity, avoid rough handling and excessive mechanical damage by using appropriate equipment, such as conveyors or large-diameter, slow-running augers.

Applications

This ASTM standard is designed for practical use in:

• Hemp Farming Operations:
  Assists farmers in making informed decisions for post-harvest seed handling, drying, and bin storage conditions to maximize product quality and minimize economic loss.

• Primary Processing Facilities:
  Guides processing facilities in setting up storage systems that prevent microbial spoilage and ensure compliance with food safety requirements, supporting the reliable supply of safe hemp seed for human consumption.

• Agricultural Extension Services:
  Equips extension agents with standardized recommendations to share with producers, supporting regional best practices and consistent product quality.

• Quality Assurance and Contracts:
  Serves as a reference for contract buyers and quality assurance teams to set expectations for seed condition and handling, particularly in specifying acceptable moisture ranges and storage conditions.

Related Standards

Professionals referencing ASTM D8465-23 may also consult the following complementary standards:

• ASTM D8400: Guide for Assessing Spoilage of Hemp Seed Intended for Human Consumption
• ASTM D8417: Guide for Sampling of Hempseed Intended for Human Consumption
• ASTM D8270: Terminology Relating to Cannabis

These documents offer additional information on sampling, terminology, and assessment of hemp seed quality, enhancing the effectiveness of storage management practices.

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Keywords: hemp seed storage, moisture management, aeration drying, hemp farming, seed spoilage prevention, safe grain storage, primary production, ASTM D8465-23, outdoor hemp production, seed conditioning, food safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8465 − 23
Standard Guide for
Whole Hemp Seed Storage at Primary Production Facilities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8465; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this guide is to assist farmers to manage moisture conditions of hemp seed during
storage, which directly influences seed quality. This guide provides base recommendations for aeration
drying or aeration with a supplemental heat source. This guide also identifies recommendations
relating to storage of hemp seed immediately following harvest in the field.
1. Scope D8400 Guide for Assessing Spoilage of Hemp Seed In-
tended for Human Consumption
1.1 This guide can be used by hemp farmers, hemp seed
D8417 Guide for Sampling of Hempseed Intended for Hu-
processing companies, and hemp agricultural extension agents
man Consumption
to help manage against potential seed spoilage during storage.
D8270 Terminology Relating to Cannabis
1.2 This applies to broadacre production of hemp seed
intended for human consumption.
3. Terminology
1.3 This guide does not apply to hemp plants grown indoors
3.1 Definitions:
or for purposes other than for harvesting of hemp seed intended
3.1.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
for food within outdoor production conditions.
nology D8270, unless otherwise indicated.
1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
3.2.1 bushel, n—a unit of measurement used in crop pro-
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
duction which measures capacity equal to 64 US pints (35.2 L),
information only and are not considered standard.
or 8 British imperial gallons (36.4 L).
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2.1.1 Discussion—The bushel weight may vary by year
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and variety, however bin fan settings use this volume-based
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- description within seed/grain storage research.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.2 cleaning seed (grain), v—removal of weathered or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
immature seeds, weed seeds, soil and other non-hemp plant or
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
foreign material from a lot of whole hemp seed.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Grain is a general agricultural term
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
used to identify seed sown outdoors for planting and/or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
harvested for multiple food and other purposes. In this docu-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ment it is synonymous with seed.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.3 conditioning, v—additional removal of extraneous ma-
2. Referenced Documents terial or drying which assists in managing the moisture of hemp
2 seed for optimum storage or buyer specifications.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.4 cubic feet per minute (CFM), n—a measurement of
airflow volume determined by how many cubic feet of air
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D37 on Cannabis and passes by a stationary point in one minute.
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D37.07 on Industrial Hemp.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—Metric units will be added for fan
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published March 2023. DOI: 10.1520/
settings when those commonly used in agriculture are identi-
D8465-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or fied. A metric conversion formula is noted in Table 1.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.2.5 dockage, n—foreign material in seed comprised of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. weed seeds and unwanted plant or non-plant components.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8465 − 23
A
TABLE 1 Recommended Storage Properties for Whole Hemp Seed at the Farm Level
Air Drying of Whole Hemp Seed Air Drying of Whole Hemp Seed Using a Fan
B
Using a Fan(s) and Heat Source (Heated Grain Dryer)
Target Moisture Content for storage
5 % to 9 % 5 % to 9 %
Percentage by weight using grain moisture meter
C
Air Flow Rate in bins
1 cfm per bushel 1.5 cfm to 2 cfm per bushel
Cubic feet per minute (cfm) aeration setting
Continue aeration until grain is cooled Supplemental heat or heated air drying may be
to a uniform temperature. required if grain >15 % moisture or when ambient
Other Comments
Depending on ambient conditions in the region, conditions render air drying ineffective (that is, cool/
safe storage temperature is generally below 15 °C. damp outdoor conditions for the region).
A
Source: Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance, and Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) hemp seed storage research 2021.
B
Need sufficient airflow and adequate but not too high drying temperatures (under 35 °C) to avoid potential seed damage. Cool seed (grain) using regular aeration once
the grain is dry.
C 3
Research completed in imperial units due to existing fan settings. To convert to metric SI units use the following: 13.5 L ⁄s per m = 1 cfm ⁄bu and consult fan manufacturer
recommendations.
3.2.6 hot spots, n—physical areas in stored seed lots where 7.5 When using a grain moisture test meter, calibrate
excess temperatures have risen to a level where seed spoilage according to manufacturer’s direction. Prepare the sample and
or rancidity is likely to occur. use the moisture meter according to equipment manufacturer’s
recommendation and in recommended conditions to allow for
4. Significance and Use
as repeatable test results as possible.
4.1 Product wastage will be reduced if spoilage is avoided
7.6 Determination of moisture content of hemp seed will
or the potential for spoilage is identified earlier in the process.
assist in managing for optimum conditions including food
High moisture can result in conditions favorable to microbial
safety. In extreme cases, low-moisture storage conditions
growth, mold, and conditions leading to rancidity.
combined with high heat can cause seed to crack an
...