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: 

Evaluate the affect that various factors have on the viability of perishable produce exportation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243893  Evaluate the affect that various factors have on the viability of perishable produce exportation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
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 credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Cite the effects that global factors have on the viability of South African perishable produce exportation.
  • Compare the different international requirements against South Africa's established standards.
  • Assess the influence that market forces have on South African perishable produce exports.
  • Evaluate the impact that external factors have on the stability and viability of South African exportation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Mathematical Literacy and Communication at NQF Level 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the impact that global factors have on South Africa's exportation of perishable produce. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The global factors include but are not limited to:
  • Protocols, quality perception, adequacy of infrastructure, supply chain costs, labour costs, local demand, language barriers, skills, shipping delays and schedules, bio-security. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role that protocols have in inhibiting exports from non aligned nations is analysed and the positive implications for South African exportation are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The extent to which the quality perception of international markets may realise a premium for exports, is researched and the position South Africa occupies in terms of providing quality produce is tabled. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impact that an inadequate infrastructure has on market accessibility and the maintenance of produce quality is explained and the viability of exporting within these constraints is indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The cost per kilometre, of conveying perishable produce with different modes of transport is investigated and the cost implications between inland and coastal sources, as well as the intercontinental costs to South Africa's major markets are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An evaluation of South Africa's labour costs against those of our main competitors is conducted and the influence these costs have on price determination and the resultant export viability are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The influence that pressures of South Africa's internal supply and demand have on produce markets prices is indicated and the reluctance of farmers to part with their produce when local prices are high, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The inhibiting effect that language barriers may pose to South Africa's exportation to countries where English is not an official language are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    A comparison of the cost effectiveness of using unskilled workers for produce handling, against using skilled and experienced staff, is conducted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The impact that shipping delays and schedules have on intercontinental exportation, in terms of the maintenance of quality and perceived punctuality of South African exports, is related. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The necessity of observing high levels of bio-security against the background of a possible loss in earnings, should diseased meat or poultry be exported, are evaluated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the variances between South African export standards and the specific requirements of international markets and the implications thereof. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The standards include but are not limited to:
  • South African legislation, protocols, bi-lateral agreements, QMS (Quality Management Systems), cold chain, Phytosanitary, pre-clearance, packaging and marking, documentation, processes. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The South African perishable produce export standards and regulations, as contained in the APS and PPECB Acts, are analysed within the context of their applicability to international standards and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The standards of a sample protocol are examined and measured against the SA equivalents to determine whether extra resources and/or costs are involved in meeting these requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of bi-lateral agreements is described and the benefits that SA producers and exporters may gain from these arrangements are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The insistence of certain international markets for all packing and distribution agents to adopt an approved QMS is examined from various perspectives. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Market access, short term set-up costs, long term anticipated benefits.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The impact that the implementation of differing temperature regimes/protocols may have on the resources for monitoring the cold chain is determined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The implications that the application of additional Phytosanitary requirements may have on particular stages in the supply chain are examined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The beneficial aspects of pre-clearing a consignment, in contrast to the established procedures are evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The implications of pre-packing and marking an export consignment to the client's specifications are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The implications include but are not limited to:
  • Material costs, training, additional load on resources, added value service, retention of the client.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The implications of instituting an alternative process flow and documentation for a specific export client is examined and the extra resources and/or costs involved in meeting these requirements are detailed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Indicate the significant influences that market forces exert and the subsequent effects that these have on perishable produce exportation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The market forces include but are not limited to:
  • Supply and demand, consumer requirements, branding and marketing, new varieties, chain stores buying power, export agents, industry associations, organic, GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors that influence the variances between supply and demand of perishable produce are analysed within the context of the economic repercussions for producers and exporters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of gauging consumer preferences and the actions necessary to ensure an improvement or retention of export volumes are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The prospects that branding and marketing a particular product may bring to various segments of the perishable produce supply chain and the perquisite planning that this necessitates, is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The prospects include but are not limited to:
  • Predict production volumes, additional freight arrangements, additional load on resources, cooperative marketing costs, additional risks, improvement in export volume, export earnings.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The impact that the introduction of a new variety has on the strategies of the exporters and producers is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A comparative analysis on the influence that the buying power of foreign chain stores have on exports, against the price and extra requirements that are demanded, is conducted and the resultant viability of these exports, are evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The normal function of export agents in the supply chain is described and the extended roles that select agents assume and the cost implications of these additional services are outlined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The significance and influence that industry associations within the perishable produce export industry exert, is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The influences include but are not limited to:
  • Uphold standards, production levels, ethics, collective bargaining, market influence, single voice to government.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The viability of organic produce exports is evaluated in terms of the production costs and extra bio-security risks that are posed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The sensitivity that surrounds GMO's and the necessity of declaring the presence, or lack thereof, when exporting perishable produce is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Outline the external factors and the resultant effects that these have on the potential for South African exportation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The external factors include but are not limited to:
  • Economic barriers, subsidies, bi-lateral agreements, exchange rates, oil prices, climate, seasons, global crisis, illegal exports, competitor labour costs, bio-terrorism. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various production and transport factors that may contribute to the creation of an economic barrier to exportation and the alternatives that may be sought to ensure viability are outlined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The advantages that foreign subsidised exports enjoy and the impact that these subsidies have on the viability of South African exports of comparable products is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of exclusive bi-lateral agreements between select foreign trading partners, on South African export potential, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of monitoring fluctuations in exchange rates and the repercussions on export viability when these become unfavourable, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The pivotal role that oil prices play in all sectors of the export supply chain and the impact that an increase has on export viability is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The influence that climatic factors have on the determination of yields and the resultant cost implications for export viability are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The seasonal advantage that South Africa is able to utilise in the exportation of "out of season" produce to the Northern hemisphere is indicated and the positive contribution that this has on ensuring export viability is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The results of an unforeseen global crisis on exports and the consequential losses that may be incurred, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The variances in standards and processing costs of illegal exports as against the "legitimate" exports is identified and the impact that these exports have on expected volumes are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The proportion of the total export costs that can be attributed to labour, is investigated and compared to those of exporting countries with substantially lowered labour costs and the bearing that these costs have on export viability is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The immediate repercussions that a bio-terrorism incident may have on perishable produce exportation are described and the consequences of a long term loss in confidence with the supplier and the country of origin are explained. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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 must be accredited as a provider through 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 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying an objective analysis of the various market forces and trends when evaluating the viability of an export initiative. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the gathering and dissemination of information regarding industry trends and preferences in perishable produce. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Coordinating the examination of the market trends and preferences with industry specialists that have a vested interest in exporting perishable produce to achieve a more balanced evaluation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Recording the export market's trends and evaluating the producers ability to adapt to the varying markets needs. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting on the exportation volumes achieved and the contributing factors that significantly influenced the performance of these. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Utilising information technology to gather available data and statistics on market forces and trends. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Evident in 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 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58348   National Certificate: Perishable Produce Export Technology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.
     
    NONE 


    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.