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: 

Effective and responsible advice, recommendation and sale of agrochemical products 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116400  Effective and responsible advice, recommendation and sale of agrochemical products 
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 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  12 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 person achieving this unit standard will be able to give advice, make recommendations and sell agrochemicals in an effective and responsible manner, giving the necessary consideration to the impact of his/her decisions on the well being of human and animal health and the environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will demonstrate competence against the unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF 4: Apply effective and responsible pest, disease and weed control.
  • NQF 5: Apply integrated pest management principles. 
    		•

    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 
    Advising on the management of an agrochemical storing facility. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Advising on the management of an agrochemical store includes but is not limited to safety plans, record keeping, arrangement of store, protective gear and equipment, ventilation, lighting, the different rules and regulations governing a chemical store. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The type of advice that should be provided to a farmer wanting to build a chemical store is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The requirements of a storage facility as governed by the act on agrochemical products id described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to develop a plan for the storage of agrochemical products is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The development and implementation of an emergency and safety plan is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The development of an access and security plan is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The management of the record keeping of all these different components are discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Classify and categorise insects, pests and weeds affecting the agricultural enterprise or assist with having these classified. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Classifying and categorising will include but is not limited to pest or predator, or problem or possible problem. Method of identification includes but is not limited to macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An understanding of which types of guides/publications that are available and where they can be found, to assist with identification is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The types of symptoms of disease, damage by insects or pests and problems caused by weeds and how this assists with identification and a plan of action is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An understanding of which institutions are available to assist with identification or what other means to verify a problem can be implemented is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The management processes that are in place to train staff in monitoring, damage assessments and interpreting of data is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The plans that are in place for pro-active warning or advice on expected outbreaks and infestations and how these are based on weather data, environmental conditions, life cycles of pests, diseases and crops are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply an in-depth knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM). 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Integrated pest management includes but is not limited the integration of a number of different pest, disease and weed management strategies to satisfy the market and keep the problems under control in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An understanding of how information on the latest technology in integrated pest, disease and weeds management can be acquired is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The type of publications available for assistance in IPM is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different policies and principles of IPM and how they are integrated into an integrated production management plan is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Resistance to the CCP's, the components of a resistance management plan and its implementation are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The integration of different chemicals with certain biological control components is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply an in-depth knowledge on the different methods of product application and the identification of related problems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Products may include but are not limited to different agrochemicals. Application includes but is not limited to aerial, fogging, dipping, baiting, spraying etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An understanding of the contents of a label on an agrochemical and a description of how it will be applied as per agricultural enterprise with reference to market requirements is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different application methods in relation to the chemicals and the crop including information on aerial application are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different specialised ways of which equipment is calibrated and what the result will be with reference to cover, droplet size etc is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An understanding of how pest control failures are analysed and interpreted with reference to application, weather, type of product, timing, crop, slope etc is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An understanding of how advice is given on mixing compatibility of products is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An understanding of how advice is given on product and technology compatibility is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Execute post-application monitoring. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Post-application monitoring includes but is not limited to the checking on the efficacy of the product, damage to the crop, damage to the environment etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A plan to check the efficacy of the product with reference to trap catches, return of pest, etc is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Monitoring and identification of the follow-up generation is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The determination and monitoring of side effects and/or damage is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The need for testing to determine maximum residue limited and toxicity is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Plans implemented to test longevity of the product is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Advise on environmental and community considerations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Environmental and community consideration may include but is not limited to plans to avoid poisonings, pollution, spills etc and how to deal with them. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An understanding of the type of advice given on the management of potential poisoning of wildlife, beneficials and humans and how it can be avoided is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The type of advice given to prevent potential soil and water contamination is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The type of advice given to avoid potential drift onto non-target areas is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The types of plans that are devised with managers to deal with empty container disposal and rinse water management are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The type of advice given to aerial applicator/farmer on how to issue appropriate warnings for aerial application is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Make effective, economical, responsible and legal recommendations on product selection and use. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Product selection includes but is not limited to type of agrochemical, what type of application, when and how to apply. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The type of recommendation and the different formats and ways in which it can be issued are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different legal implications, which accompany giving advice on CCPS is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different aspects that need to be considered when making a recommendation is explained ( i.e. economy of scale etc.) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The approach to recommendations made in accordance with label instructions is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The maintenance of high ethical standards as an advisor is explained. 


    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 thy 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 working knowledge of:
  • Interpretation of pictograms, colour coding and symbols.
  • Legal implications of misuse / abuse i.e. off-label use.
  • Potential hazards associated with agrochemicals.
  • Cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
  • General symptoms of poisoning.
  • Impact of product on the environment, humans and other organisms.
  • Basic storage principles and requirements.
  • Principles and methods of mixing.
  • Empty container and waste disposal.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Legislation and Codes of Practice.
  • First aid.
  • Hygiene.
  • Contamination.
  • Product spectrum.
  • Principles of product categorisation and segregations.
  • Resistance and management thereof.
  • Information resources.
  • Terminology.
  • Principles of: weed, plant disease, insect and nematode control.
  • Agrochemical application.
  • Effective use of standard reference materials and other resources.
  • Reading and understanding labels.
  • Calibration.
  • Principles and procedures of responsible application.
  • Correct use of equipment.
  • Occupational health and safety.
  • Principles of integrated pest management.
  • Environmental knowledge. 
    		•

    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 specific outcomes:
  • Advise on the management of an agrochemical storing facility.
  • Execute post-application monitoring. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to specific outcomes:
  • Classify and categorise insects, pests and weeds affecting the agricultural enterprise or assist with having these classified.
  • Apply an in-depth knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM).
  • Apply and in-depth knowledge on the different methods of product application and the identification of related problems.
  • Execute post-application monitoring.
  • Advise on environmental and community considerations.
  • Make effective, economical, responsible and legal recommendations on product selection and use. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology relates to specific outcomes:
  • Classify and categorise insects, pests and weeds affecting the agricultural enterprise or assist with having these classified.
  • Apply an in-depth knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM).
  • Apply and in-depth knowledge on the different methods of product application and the identification of related problems.
  • Execute post-application monitoring.
  • Advise on environmental and community considerations.
  • Make effective, economical, responsible and legal recommendations on product selection and use. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to specific outcomes:
  • Apply an in-depth knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM).
  • Apply and in-depth knowledge on the different methods of product application and the identification of related problems.
  • Execute post-application monitoring.
  • Make effective, economical, responsible and legal recommendations on product selection and use. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Professional 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 
    This is probably a certificate on its own however it needs the support of recognition of prior learning if the person has been working in a chemical store with storage, issuing and managing. If the person was a farm manager and has dealt with all the aspects of pest and disease control then he/she may also be in the position to qualify to do this unit standard. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49010   National Diploma: Plant Production  Level 5  NQF Level 05  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. Stinga Consulting and Trading 
    2. The Skills Development Hub (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.