[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Implement a food safety and quality management system in the agricultural supply chain 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116278  Implement a food safety and quality management system in the agricultural supply chain 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner achieving this unit standard will be able to implement a management system related to food safety, production practices, as well demonstrate environmental and social awareness within the agricultural supply chain.

Learners will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural practices as applied in the animal, plant and mixed farming sub fields. This unit standard focuses on the application of food safety principles in primary agriculture.

Competent learners will be fully competent in food safety practices whereby providing the environment for the application of quality practices and thus strengthen agricultural practices in general. They will be able to participate in, undertake and plan farming practices with knowledge of their environment. This unit standard will instil a culture of maintenance and care for both the environment as well as towards farming infrastructure and operations. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will show competence against the following unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF 3: Apply of crop protection and animal health products effectively and responsibly.
  • NQF 3: Explain store inputs categories, labelling and storage methods.
  • NQF 3: Monitor and supervise a food safety and quality management system in the agricultural supply chain. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range statements are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Manage a traceability system demonstrating operational efficiency in the agricultural supply chain. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Traceability system includes but is not limited to a system that allows for problems to be traced back to the points of origin, both pre-harvest and post-harvest. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of a traceability system is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    In relation to the local agricultural market and international agri-trade.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Practices, which will support operational efficiency of a traceability system are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The record keeping which supports a traceability system is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Evidence of traceability records provided. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Implement a record system on the farm. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    A record system includes but is not limited to a manual and electronic system that allows for a paper or electronic trail of activities and management systems on the farm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Evidence of good record keeping practices is provided. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Records include but are not limited to production, agrochemicals/ pests and diseases/ fertiliser/ irrigation/ application of chemicals, worker welfare/ safety/ security and training, soil management, soil history.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant documentation of the different activities of the agricultural enterprise is managed is described and supplied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The flow of information is controlled and accessed to ensure effective distribution of information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of this process and how it complements the traceability process is discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manage and maintain good agricultural practices (GAP) associated with good manufacturing practices (GMP), good health practices (GHP), good social practices (GSP) and good environmental practices (GEP). 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Management and maintenance includes but is not limited to ensuring that the activities of one regulatory process compliments the other. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Concepts of good manufacturing practices in the agricultural food chain are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The complimentary nature of these regulatory processes and how it impacts on the management of the agricultural enterprise are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The management and maintenance of above processes are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The flow of the process to achieve the goals is illustrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Take decisions on reported non-conformances in respect of food safety, production, environmental, and social practices and implement corrective action in the agricultural environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Taking decisions and implementing corrective action includes but is not limited to addressing the problems encountered in order to assist with the implementation of corrective processes in order to achieve the set goals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Examples of non-conformances and the effect thereof on quality of the product are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role of traceability and record keeping system in the identification of non-conformances are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effect of non-conformances is identified and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Non-conformances relate to but are not limited to chemical, microbiological and physical contamination.
  • Management systems include but are not limited to production, Fertiliser/agrochemical/irrigation, product handling, hygiene and safety, quality, waste and pollution, social and welfare, environment, record keeping.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different types of corrective action are described and implemented. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct internal audits according to the specifications of the trade/market in the agricultural environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Internal audits include but is not limited to implementing checks and balances that assist the GMP to ensure good agricultural practices in keeping with the rights of the workers and the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose, importance and effect of an internal audit are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedure of an internal audit is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Within the standard operation procedures of the enterprise.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An internal audit is performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The management of such a process is explained and how the results assist with improving certain aspects of the agricultural enterprise. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Maintain standard operational procedures with regard to agro-chemicals, food safety, quality, and production practices, as well as environmental and social awareness within the agricultural supply chain. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Standard operational procedures include but are not limited to food safety, quality, production practices, environmental, and social awareness within the agricultural supply chain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Standard operation procedures of the enterprise are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Related to food safety, quality, production practices, environmental and social awareness within the agricultural supply chain.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The management of the different aspects of the agricultural enterprise with respect to traceability and regulatory procedures are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impact of non-conformance to the basic regulatory processes on the trade of the product is explained and discussed. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established assessment principles.

    It will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the qualifying learners are working. These activities and tools may include an appropriate combination of self-assessment and peer assessment, formative and summative assessment, portfolios and observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes; critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are assessed.

    The specific outcomes must be assessed through observation of performance. Supporting evidence should be used to prove competence of specific outcomes only when they are not clearly seen in the actual performance.

    Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in its own right, through oral or written evidence and cannot be assessed only by being observed.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a qualifying learner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, then they should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Principles of regulatory and legal aspects with reference to the specific agricultural enterprise.
  • A basic understanding of food-borne illnesses.
  • A basic knowledge of the Impact of food safety and quality in trade.
  • A thorough understanding of contamination risks and preventative measures.
  • Contamination risks.
  • Contamination preventative measures.
  • A basic understanding of risk factors related to food safety.
  • Be familiar with the principles of food safety and quality.
  • Basic principles of environmental and conservation management.
  • Basic principles of waste and pollution management.
  • Basic principles of natural resource management.
  • Local legislation such as Occupational Health and Safety, Health and Welfare,
  • A basic understanding of procedures of internal audits, traceability, and management skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Interpreting information relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Self-development relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48979   National Certificate: Animal Production  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  49009   National Certificate: Plant Production  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    2. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    3. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    4. Heedmorine Training 
    5. Iketsetse Training and Development 
    6. KayDee Project Management Cc 
    7. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    8. Maishamalema Development Training 
    9. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    10. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    11. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    12. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    13. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    14. Mvelo Consultant 
    15. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    16. Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) 
    17. Resource Consulting Services (PTY) Ltd 
    18. SA Agri Academy 
    19. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    20. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Setlakala Business Development 
    22. Shem Consulting and Training 
    23. Success Christian Training Centre cc 
    24. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    25. Temothuo Group 
    26. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    27. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    28. Tripple R Training Provider 
    29. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    30. Westco Agri Training 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.