The purpose of this qualification is to allow Junior Personnel and elected candidated to progress towards a position of farm laboures (operators) with specific reference to Plant Production. The contexualised purpose and usage of the qualification is as follows:

• A learner assessed against this qualification will have the necessary competence to participate as part of a working team, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to Plant production in an established and familiar context under general supervision.
• The Learner will be able to perform directed activities and take responsibility for the guiding others at lower level within a Plant Production context.
• Competency will be gained in any of the specialized sub-fields of Plant Production as specified under Areas Of Specialization (i.e. Vegetables, Fruit Production, Hydroponics, etc.)
• The learner will be able to take responsible decisions within a familiar range based on a sound understanding of the basic principles of agri-business and good agricultural practices, in meeting the set objectives and targets within the broader farm plan which includes the economical application of general resources, agricultural production and technical knowledge and skills, all in an Plant Production context.
• The Learner will be able to carry out familiar procedures in a limited environment and will be able to adhere to the relevant safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards as applicable within the industry.
• In addition to the above, the learner will be well positioned to extend learning and practice into other sub-fields such as Plant Production and Mixed Farming, since such efforts will only require additional learning within the elective scope of other qualifications at this level.
• The learner will be well positioned to progress towards higher levels of Management and Technical production practices as defined by qualifications at the next level.
• Learners will be enabled to actively participate in the Primary Agricultural Sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.
• This qualification will allow qualifying learners to become economically active in farming practices that will have a direct impact on Local Economic Development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.
• Finally, Learners will be able to guide and direct others in terms of the implementation of smaller development projects within a Plant Production context.

This qualification is run over 12 months.

• Junior farm labourers who wish to progress to the level of Labourer within farming operations in Plant Production;
• Farm owners, in possession of an equivalent qualification at NQF 1;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed and RPL’ed;
• Possible candidates for promotion identified by the community as leaders.
• Learners may come from both genders

• Numeracy, Literacy and Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent
• Technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities equivalent to NQF 1

• Cluster 1 – Orientation to Plant Production ( 31 credits)
• Cluster 2 – Apply Quality Standards and Procedures In Plant Production ( 29 credits)
• Cluster 3 – Plant Process ( 34 credits)
• Cluster 4 – Compliance and Calculation in Plant Production ( 21 credits)
• Cluster 5 – Manage Resources and Activities for Plant Production ( 8 credits)

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 

Fundamental Competencies:

1. Apply various communication skills within the agricultural environment.
2. Apply mathematical calculations within the agricultural environment.
3. Collect and collate agricultural data and recognize and report on deviations.
4. Explain basic functions of the environment by recognising patterns and processes, knowing local resources and basic sustainable agricultural processes using environmental indicators.

Agri-business:

5. Apply basic skills in record keeping, storage, contaminant management and associated legislation when controlling input and stock.
6. Set goals and objectives related to production / conversion systems within an agricultural business.
7. Apply knowledge of the marketing principles within agriculture for a specific product or service.
8. Define and illustrate the gross margin statement, income statement, balance sheet and cash flow budget as well as the different cost aspects that one can find in a business.
9. Describe and understand the principles of Human Resources Management as applied
10. Explain the principles and factors influencing agricultural enterprise selection and production.

Agricultural Practices:

11. Monitor and support the implementation of food safety and quality, production, environmental and social practices and awareness within the agricultural supply chain.
12. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of water quality to agriculture and to monitor and maintain water quality using established procedures.
13. Apply basic practices to conserve the environment, including natural resources.
14. Select basic equipment and implements that are appropriate to a combination of activities within a single agricultural process.
15. Carry out basic physical farm layout tasks including construction of rainwater harvesting and soil conservation structures in a small farm or garden environment.

Plant Production:

16. Identify the basic structures and functions of a plant.
17. Soil is prepared according to the requirements of the crop.
18. Propagate plants.
19. Recognize common insects, disease symptoms and weeds and apply basic control measures
20. Apply agrochemical products in a safe, effective and responsible manner with consideration to the environment.
21. Plant a range of crops and monitor the correct establish of crops as well as ensuring that planting is placed and spaced as required.
22. Manipulate plants by applying a narrow range of techniques
23. Harvest crops.

Animal Production:

24. Produce livestock whilst demonstrating an understanding of the environment and its relationship to sustainable livestock production.