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 QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Seed Research and Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48657  Further Education and Training Certificate: Seed Research and Development 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
AgriSETA - Agriculture SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  135  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This Qualification is registered at level 4 on the National Qualification Framework. It provides learners with the opportunity to obtain competence in seed research and development, including aspects such as the execution of seed trials, receipt and distribution of parent seed, contract of seed growers; conducting controlled pollination; sampling a seed lot; preparing germplasm for planting to ensure the quliaty of seed yield meets expectations. The qualification will provide learners with the technical competence to perform to industry standards.

This Qualification is an entry-level qualification into seed research and development, enabling learners to progress in other fields of learning in the agricultural industry and providing articulation to higher education and learning.

The Qualification focuses on the skills, knowledge, and values to ensure competence at this level of learning. The intention is to enhance the potential of people, in order for them to grow and develop. This qualification will furthermore add value to the individuals, their workplace and the economy as a whole.

Rationale for the Qualification

This Qualification is aimed at people who are working in the seed industry and who would like to pursue a career in the seed industry. It is aimed at formalising the skills required in seed research and development to facilitate career-pathing and to provide access to new entrants. The qualification provides learners with access to advanced learning in specialised areas within the seed industry. It also provides learners with the necessary background knowledge and skills to enhance the NQF's principle of portability within other agricultural industries.

Through the above, the Qualification will address one of the key priorities of the Department of Labour in the reduction of unemployment and under employment. It will assist in creating job opportunities. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners will have:
  • Attained competency in mathematics, literacy and communication skills at NQF 3 or equivalent, except the second language that is on NQF level 2 or
  • Demonstrated competence at that level through recognition of prior learning

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
    This Qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Where RPL is required the learner will need to prove competence in that specific area in order to obtain recognition of that skill and knowledge.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practise and performance records. The assessment methods and tools to be used to assess Prior Learning shall be decided upon jointly by the assessor and the learner. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    To obtain this Qualification, the learner must complete 74 fundamental, 61 core Unit Standards to total 135 credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the seed industry.

    2. Receive distribute parent seed and execute seed trials.

    3. Contract seed growers and conduct controlled pollination.

    4. Sample, certify seed lot and inspect seed unit. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Consequences of not understanding seed as a living organism are explained.
  • The importance of correctly applying relevant seed rules and regulations are explained.
  • Reasons for using the correct processing equipment in the workplace are explained.
  • The impact of various processes on the physiology and quality of seed are explained.

    2.
  • Consequences of not adhering to plant husbandry procedures according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Implications of not identifying and informing relevant parties of deviations according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not adhering to planting instructions according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not labelling the material correctly according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Reasons for correct disposal of material are understood and explained.
  • Consequences of not obtaining correct parent seed according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Implications of not identifying and informing relevant parties of variations according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not completing documentation according to work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained.

    3.
  • Consequences of not obtaining accurate production information according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not adhering to legal requirements when completing the contract are explained.
  • Implications of not identifying and informing relevant parties of variations according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not selecting appropriate production fields and hectares are explained.
  • Consequences of not selecting suitable growers are explained.
  • Consequences of not completing documentation according to work site procedures and legal requirements are explained.
  • Consequences of not obtaining or adhering to the pollination plan and instructions according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Implications of not identifying and informing relevant parties of deviations from the pollination plan according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not marking and labelling the pollinated plants correctly according to work site procedures are explained.

    4.
  • Importance of drawing a representative sample is explained.
  • Implications of not identifying deviations on seed are explained.
  • Importance of adhering to health and safety regulations when drawing a sample is explained.
  • Importance of advising accurately on corrective action to be taken according to work site procedures is explained.
  • Importance of advising accurately on the use of appropriate equipment according to work site procedures is explained.
  • Implications of not identifying and reporting on deviations and informing relevant parties according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Variations in the seed unit are identified and handled according to work site procedures.
  • Advice on correctly selecting and using equipment is provided in accordance with standard operating procedures and statutory requirements.

    Integrated Assessment Criteria

    Unit Standards associated with this Qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field Specific Outcomes. Assessment should focus in an integrated way on determining the competence of the learner in terms of the overall purpose and title of this Qualification.

    The term integrated assessment also implies that the theoretical and practical components should be assessed together and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessment activities should be done in real workplace situations and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show that the learner is able to display the competencies to the real work situation.

    All assessments should be conducted in line with the following documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work of learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Learners wishing to be assessed will need to provide evidence of the following:
  • Verbal and written explanations of reasons for adhering to operational and work site procedures as well as statutory requirements, adhering to specific sequence of operations, identifying deviations, taking corrective actions and recording relevant data, and reporting deviations outside the jobholder's responsibility.
  • Demonstrations of a range of operational actions relating to applying quality control in receipt and distribution of parent seed, execution of trials, conducting controlled pollination, sampling of seed lots, determining stock levels and applying general safety in the work place. Learners will also demonstrate an understanding of the Seed Industry and the relevant workplace.
  • Oral or written questioning regarding the reflective competencies within the qualification:
    If the identifying and solving of problems, team work, organising one-self, the using of applied science, the implication of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems are not clear from the observation a method of oral questioning or a cases study should be applied to determine the whole person development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.
  • A portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner that may include trial plans, trial results and pollination programmes.
  • Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
  • Unit standards in the qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field Specific Outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A thorough search was done to find international qualifications and unit standards in seed processing countries specific to seed research and development, but no formal unit standards and qualifications could be found.
    However, areas such as seed production and technology were compared to State Universities. These were:
  • PLS 556 Seed Production and Technology Course
    (Prof TeKroney - University of Kentucky)
  • HCS 694 Seed Production course
    (Ohio State University)
  • AGN 4223/6223 Seed Production Course
    (Mississippi State University)
    A comparison of the above Qualifications was undertaken and various literary sources consulted before incorporating the best practice points in the generation of this Qualification's Unit Standards. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification lends itself to both vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities. These possibilities ensure both mobility and progression for the learner in other fields of learning such as seed production and seed processing and packaging control.
    An example of vertical articulation possibilities:
    National Diploma in Farm Management at NQF 5 (ID 20291)

    An example of horizontal articulation possibilities:
    National Certificate in Seed Production at NQF 4 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Anyone assessing a learner against these unit standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of these unit standards or will assess these unit standards 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.

    Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against these unit standards may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114670  Demonstrate knowledge of the seed industry  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Core  114709  Receive and distribute parent seed  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  114683  Certify a seed unit  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  114743  Conduct controlled pollination  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  114708  Contract seed growers  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  114663  Determine seed stock levels  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  114680  Field inspection of seed unit  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Core  114707  Prepare germplasm for planning  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Core  114668  Sample a seed lot  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7786  Operate a Computer  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Fundamental  7567  Produce and use spreadsheets for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7570  Produce word processing documents for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8974  Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  12417  Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8975  Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  8979  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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. Mpontshe Training 
    2. Orange Language Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    3. Phil Chemics Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 


    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.