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: 

Occupational Certificate: Orchard and Vineyard Foreman 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110667  Occupational Certificate: Orchard and Vineyard Foreman 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - AgriSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  147  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 EXCO 0425/24  2019-09-11  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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learners with the required knowledge, skills and know how to operate as an Orchard and Vineyard Foreman. An Orchard and Vineyard Foreman leads and directs teams in performing required operations to achieve specified crop production targets in orchards and vineyards.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Organise, allocate and monitor availability and productive use of resources in an orchard or vineyard.
  • Lead a work team to achieve quality and quantity produce targets in an orchard or vineyard.
  • Gather, interpret and supply daily vineyard or orchard production information to management, workers and service providers in accordance with business standards.

    Rationale:
    The horticultural sector comprises a wide range of horticultural produce and horticultural practices in a wide range of climatic conditions over South Africa. The horticultural produce is cultivated for internal and export markets. As such, the producers have to comply with stringent international standards, which have a severe impact on all cultivation practices as well as the marketability of the produce. Sectors within horticulture include: stone fruit, pome fruit, table grapes, wine grapes, raisin grapes, citrus, sub-tropical fruit, pomegranates, olives, berries and cherries.

    The horticultural industry is regulated by stringent international standards and requirements which impacts on horticultural practices in the vineyard or orchard and leads to ever increasing production and labour costs. This again puts pressure on producers to increase the productivity and efficiency of workers. The industry is labour intensive and very specialised in terms of horticulture practices such as pruning which must take place at critical times in the production cycle. The horticulture industry is also faced with strong competition in the export market from other southern hemisphere countries. Wine, table grapes and other horticultural products are a huge component of South African exports which places an enormous imperative on the industry to remain competitive in the international export market. The quality of the produce and also of wine, which is one of flagship exports of South Africa, is directly determined by the quality of the horticulture/viticulture practices in the orchard or vineyard.

    Learners achieving this qualification will be equipped to cultivate horticultural produce by applying cultivation practices to achieve the vineyard or orchard yield as per the genetic potential of a given horticultural variety.

    Typical learners enrolling for this qualification will be workers and supervisors currently employed on farms and who do not have a formal schooling qualification up to matric. New entrants into the farming sector are encouraged and school leavers with matric can also access the qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment.

    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification.

    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 qualification with Communication and Mathematical Literacy.
    Or
  • Five years' experience as a supervisor in a horticultural environment with Adult Basic Education and Training (AET) 3. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 611202-001-00-KM-01, Plant Structure and Physiology, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-02, Vineyard or Orchard Establishment Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-03, Vineyard or Orchard Manipulation Processes, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-04, Harvesting, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-05, Basic Principles of Plant Nutrition, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-06, Crop Protection, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-07, Assets in Horticultural Production, Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-08, Farm Business Management and Farming Process Management, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-09, Human Resource Management and Processes, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-KM-10, Overseeing Farming Resource Utilisation, Level 4, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 52.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 611202-001-00-PM-01, Organise, Allocate and Monitor Availability and Productive Use of Resources, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-PM-02, Set Team and Individual Performance Goals to Enhancing Team Performance, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-PM-03, Control Vineyard or Orchard Practices, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-PM-04, Supply Accurate Daily Orchard or Vineyard and Production Information, Level 4, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 35.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 611202-001-00-WM-01, Vineyard or Orchard Resource Optimisation, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-WM-02, Skilled and Motivated Work Team Output, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 611202-001-00-WM-03, Daily Orchard or Vineyard and Production Information Availability, Level 4, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 60. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Oversee the implementation of a wide range of vineyard or orchard production processes and procedures to meet set crop quality and cost targets and standards.
    2. Oversee and ensure compliance with relevant orchard or vineyard safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards as applicable within the industry.
    3. Oversee farm resource utilisation in the orchard or vineyard.
    4. Describe plant and fruit growth as it occurs in the orchard or vineyard in the various stages of the production cycle.
    5. Communicate and use information on production targets, processes and conditions to achieve targets within the orchard or vineyard as a viable business unit. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The management responsibilities of the foreman in an orchard or vineyard management processes are applied.
  • Team and individual performance goals are set to enhance team performance.
  • Tasks are allocated to supervisors and work teams to achieve the production plan for the orchard or vineyard.
  • Written instructions is given to supervisors and work teams in line with the orchard or vineyard production plan.
  • Progress of the work teams is monitored against the production plan of the orchard or vineyard at regular intervals.
  • The units of measurements applied to determine yield are understood and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The standard of cultivation practices in the vineyard or orchard is controlled.
  • Cultivation practices are continuously evaluated to determine adherence to safety rules and regulations and to improve and maintain safe working conditions.
  • Compliance with all occupational health, safety, risk, quality, environment and labour legislation and standards are maintained.
  • Application and implementation of legislation, standards and procedures is ensured.
  • Production output is monitor for adherence to customer specifications.
  • Regular inspections are conducted in the orchard or vineyard of equipment and processes to address deviations from standards as they occur and rectify immediately and initiate preventative steps.
  • Root causes for deviations from standards are identified and addressed and preventative steps are initiated.
  • The importance of minimising the impact of farming on the natural environment is discussed in terms of the positive and negative long- and short term effects on both the farm and the natural environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • All orchard or vineyard resources related to human, agricultural input, machines and equipment are identified and their importance in the production cycle and achievement of targets are argued.
  • The importance and impact of machine and equipment availability and reliability is motivated.
  • The importance of correct utilisation practices of machinery and equipment is motivated.
  • The importance of safe utilisation, storage and cleaning of equipment and machines is discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Plant structure and physiology and the influence thereof on horticultural processes are discussed with reference to the relation between plant growth requirements and plant nutrition is argued.
  • Crop establishment principles (soil and cultivar selection) are defined and justified.
  • Types of manipulation and the reason, process and timing of manipulation is motivated.
  • Production activities of a horticultural crop from establishment to harvesting through all growth stages of the crop are discussed.
  • Technology, process and machinery involved in the production activities of a horticultural crop are defined.
  • The role of chemicals in the orchard or vineyard and the impact on the environment is justified.
  • Technology, processes and machinery/equipment involved pest management are identified and motivated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Basic business principles related to a horticultural farm or unit are defined.
  • Concepts of profitability, sustainability and competitiveness are discussed.
  • Methods of monitoring expenditure against an operational budget are explained.
  • Types and uses of orchard or vineyard and production data are defined and explained with reference to the importance of accuracy of information.
  • Daily orchard or vineyard and production information are gathered and supplied to management and workers.
  • Sound written and verbal communication skills are applied when dealing with members of the work team and management resulting in clear, succinct and well understood instructions to team members.
  • The importance of timeous reporting to management is justified.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
  • The skills development providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This Formative Assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
  • An external Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality partner is required to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. The external summative assessment will be a test conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by a registered assessor. The assessment will take place over a minimum period of 2 days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The two countries selected for comparability were India and United Kingdom (UK).

    The Occupational Standards in India addresses the occupation: Horticulture: Fruit Crop Cultivation Citrus Fruit Grower. This qualification is at National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework (NVEQF)/NVQF Level 4 and is described as hands-on training. Entry requirements stipulate one year prior experience in fruit crops operations.

    The qualification includes compulsory occupational standards referring to land preparation, propagation and transplantation, nutrient management, integrated pest and disease management, irrigation management for fruit crops, harvest and post-harvest management which all refer to the growing of the fruit crop. Other compulsory occupational standards include basic farm management, market information and occupational health and safety.

    The qualification is quite comprehensive but the practical component is only identified as: participate in citrus fruit exhibition/seminar/workshop; attend and make use of exposure visits and work with fruit experts, and is therefore inadequate.

    The managerial aspect is small in relation to technical fruit growing.

    The Farming Course from the Royal Agricultural University (UK) is a mixed farming course and includes crop production as well as livestock production. It addresses technical aspects similar to the cultivation of crop and in addition, it includes aspects of estate management, machinery and buildings, environment and farming administration. It includes supervisory skills related to the role of the foreman in the workplace. This is a post-school qualification and requires 5 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs) at grades A-C with Maths and English as entry requirement.

    Conclusion:
    The Occupational Certificate: Horticultural Farm Foreman compares favourably with information obtained from the countries. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontal and vertical with the following qualification:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Forestry Foreman National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Diploma: Plant Production, NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: Land Care Facilitation, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
  • In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
  • Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website. The curriculum title and code is: Orchard and Vineyard Foreman: 611202-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD):
  • This is not a trade qualification

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority ( AgriSETA).

    Part Qualifications:
  • None 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.