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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Develop a harvesting plan for the specific agricultural crop 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116297  Develop a harvesting plan for the specific agricultural crop 
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 develop, implement and supervise different plans impacting on the harvesting of crops according to the necessary procedures making use of harvesting tools as described in the harvest plan.

Learners will gain specific knowledge and skills in harvesting processes and will be able to operate in a plant production environment implementing sustainable and economically viable production principles.

They will be capacitated to gain access to the mainstream agricultural sector, in plant production, impacting directly on the sustainability of the sub-sector. The improvement in production technology will also have a direct impact on the improvement of agricultural productivity of the sector. 

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: Monitor and co-ordinate the harvesting of agricultural crops.
  • NQF 3: Supervise the collection of agricultural data.
  • NQF 3: Explain the planning and scheduling of tasks in a production environment.
  • NQF 4: Implement a food safety and quality management system in the agricultural supply chain. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Whilst range statements have been defined generically to include as wide a set of alternatives as possible, all range statements should be interpreted within the specific context of application.

    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 
    Identify, plan and obtain tools / equipment for the harvesting of the crop of the agricultural enterprise. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Harvesting methods according to specific production context include, but are not limited to harvesting by hand, machine harvesting, etc. Planning and obtaining the tools include but are not limited to hiring of and collecting large harvesting equipment where appropriate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Plans are developed for the use of harvesting equipment to ensure a smooth and problem free harvesting period. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools, according to specific production context include, but are not limited to hands, trays, crates, picking bags, shears, ladders, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment is obtained timely and checked to ensure that it is in good working order. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of the equipment is demonstrated to ensure that all safety precautions are implemented. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All the factors and processes that need to be considered when developing a plan for the use of specific equipment are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Such a plan is illustrated and what record keeping is involved is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Develop a maturity-indexing plan and interpret the data. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Maturity indexing may include, but is not limited to, withholding period, stage of growth of crop, sugar levels, size, color, texture, ratios of one chemical versus another, level of ethylene production, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of a maturity-indexing plan is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The factors that would have an influence on the maturity of the crop of the specific agricultural enterprise are identified and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The influence of these factors on the maturity of the crop is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The maturity indexing plan and how the data influences the harvesting plan is illustrated and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Samples are taken and processed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The maturity indexing plan information is recorded and how this could fit in with tracing and tracking of certain post-harvest problems maturity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Develop the harvesting plan for the crops according to the maturity indexing data. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Harvesting plan could include but is not limited to harvesting method, time of day to harvest, date for harvesting to start, which area to start with, sugar levels, starch levels, colour etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Explain the different factors that need to be considered when developing a harvesting plan. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to weather, withholding periods, sugar levels, number of people needed etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The influence of the type of market on the harvesting plan is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The visual maturity aspects of the harvesting plan are conveyed to the workers to ensure that the crop is harvested according to the information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A harvesting plan with the different aspects fit into each other, is developed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The process (harvesting plan) is managed and records are kept and processed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The harvesting plan incorporates the principles of good agricultural practices (GAP). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Develop health, hygiene and safety plans, for the harvesting operation and moving the product to the processing point. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Health hygiene and safety plan includes but is not limited to ensuring that specific health, hygiene and safety procedures are complied with as stipulated by the OHSA, GAP and others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The health, hygiene and safety plan and the regulations of the company and how this relates to the different rules and regulations of the market are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The plan is implemented to the benefit of the worker and the company. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Health, hygiene and safety checks are included in the plan to ensure that both the worker and product is protected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Access to facilities such as toilets, wash basins etc are included in the plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The plan and supporting record keeping processes are implemented. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Develop the plan for the disposal of waste as prescribed by the different rules and regulations and adhering to company policy. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Waste includes but is not limited to bio-degradable materials (including parts of plants, fruit, flowers, etc.) and non bio-degradable materials (plastics, glass, metals, etc.) A waste collection and disposal plan could include but is not limited to evaluating what can be recycled, how and where and what must be dumped, where and how. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A waste audit is performed to identify all the possible waste produced by the harvesting process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Waste is classified and collected accordingly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The plan includes the re-cycling of most of the waste. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Waste is disposed of to adhere to the requirements of the different regulations, such as EUREPGAP and GAP. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Records are kept and what information is recorded and why. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Develop a plan for the proper care and maintenance of the equipment used. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Care and maintenance include but are not limited to the cleaning, repairing sanitizing and storage of the equipment etc according to GAP. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The elements the plan needs to consider are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different procedures that need to be implemented to comply with GAP is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The maintenance plan for all equipment used as a basic component of the care and maintenance plan is developed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The plan is managed and supporting procedures are implemented to the maintenance plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Irregularities are dealt with and recorded. 


    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 harvesting a crop are understood.
  • Names and functions of tools and materials.
  • Safe handling procedures of tools and materials.
  • Different harvesting methods are understood.
  • Elements of maturity indexing are understood.
  • Plant physiology and anatomy.
  • Management of waste and pollution.
  • The occupational health and safety act is understood and can be implemented.
  • Regulatory procedures of the market are understood and can be managed. 
    		•

    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 Management: Relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information interpretation: 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  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. Anama Business Solutions Pty Ltd 
    2. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    3. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    4. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    5. Heedmorine Training 
    6. JN 649 Trading Pty Ltd 
    7. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    8. Lynnette and Peter Zwane Foundation NPC 
    9. Machanguza Trading and Projects Pty Ltd 
    10. Maishamalema Development Training 
    11. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    12. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    13. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    14. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    15. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    16. Mvelo Consultant 
    17. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    18. Nyanisi Development Institute Pty Ltd 
    19. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    20. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Setlakala Business Development 
    22. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    23. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    24. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    25. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    26. 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.