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: 

Occupational Certificate: Crop Produce Analyst 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99256  Occupational Certificate: Crop Produce Analyst 
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  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  265  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 prepare a learner to operate as a Crop Produce Analyst.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Plan and execute grain and oilseed sampling and grading processes.
  • Plan and execute processes for the representative sampling of a seed lot.
  • Plan, administer and conduct inspections of planted seed units for certification purposes.
  • Perform seed testing processes and procedures to determine the physical and physiological quality of seed.
  • Apply laboratory quality standards and legislative requirements to ensure accurate, reproducible and reliable seed testing quality outputs and traceability.

    Rationale:
    The Occupational Certificate: Crop Produce Analyst is designed to provide learners with an informed understanding and skills to operate as Crop Produce Analysts. A Crop Produce Analyst performs analytical processes and procedures to determine the quality of grains and seed in accordance with the international and local protocols. This qualification is designed to enable learners to meet national standards set for the South African Grain Industry that give local seed and grain producers access to the international market. According to the national standards, each seed must be produced and certified for purity and quality, and grains must be graded before they may be distributed to local and international markets. This qualification prepares learners for employment in a range of seed related functions including laboratories to perform regulatory functions related to seed certification and quality testing and seed production and marketing enterprises as Seed Lot Inspectors, Seed Samplers and Graders. 
    		•

    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 result or 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:
  • An NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of Compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience modules at NQF Levels 3, 4 and 5 totalling 265 Credits:

    Knowledge Modules, 68 Credits:
  • 684301000-KM-01, The collection and grading of representative grain and oilseed samples, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 684301000-KM-02, Seed sampling in the South Africa Seed Industry, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 684301000-KM-03, South African Seed certification legislation, rules and procedures, Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • 684301000-KM-04, Seed Quality Assessment, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 684301000-KM-05, Seed laboratory quality framework and seed testing legislation, Level 5, 8 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules, 77 Credits:
  • 684301000-PM-01, Plan and execute grains and oilseeds sampling and grading processes, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 684301000-PM-02, Plan and execute processes for the representative sampling of a seed lot, Level 3, 14 Credits.
  • 684301000-PM-03, Plan and implement administrative processes and inspect registered seed units at various production stages to ensure the maintenance and availability of quality varietal pure seeds for certification, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 684301000-PM-04, Perform seed testing processes and procedures to determine the physical and physiological quality of seed, Level 5, 17 Credits.
  • 684301000-PM-05, Apply laboratory quality standards and legislative requirements to ensure accurate, reproducible and reliable seed testing quality outputs and traceability, Level 5, 10 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules, 120 Credits:
  • 684301000-WM-01, Sampled and graded grains and oilseeds, Level 3, 24 Credits.
  • 684301000-WM-02, Sample a range of seed lots, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 684301000-WM-03, Administration and inspection procedures of seed unit to ensure varietal pure seeds for certification, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 684301000-WM-04, Determine the physical and physiological quality of seed, Level 5, 40 Credits.
  • 684301000-WM-05, Assure laboratory quality standards and legislative compliance, Level 5, 11 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan and execute grain and oilseed sampling and grading processes.
    2. Plan and execute processes for the representative sampling of a seed lot.
    3. Plan, administer and conduct inspections of planted seed units for certification purposes.
    4. Perform seed testing processes and procedures to determine the physical and physiological quality of seed.
    5. Apply laboratory quality standards and legislative requirements to ensure accurate, reproducible and reliable seed testing quality outputs and traceability. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Sampling practices are applied that will result in valid and reliable grain and oilseed grading.
  • A clear understanding of regulated grading standards and requirements that must be applied is demonstrated.
  • Standard sampling and grading practices are complied with as demonstrated by the grading allocation.
  • Health, safety and environmental protective measures are adhered to in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Food safety standards and practices are adhered to in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Grading equipment and consumables are selected and used in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Work is planned and executed in a structured manner to ensure that the pace of work meets accepted turnaround times.
  • Grading documentation is accurately completed and administrative requirements are met in accordance with standard procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Drawing, preparation and submission of a representative sample for analysis by a seed testing laboratory from a seed lot are executed in accordance with applicable legislation, International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules and seed laboratory requirements.
  • Representative samples are collected from a seed lot in accordance with applicable legislation, ISTA rules and seed laboratory requirements.
  • Calculations on the lot size, sample size and the number of primary samples required are correctly performed.
  • Sample/s that is/are representative of the composition of the seed lot is/are presented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The seed lot is registered in accordance with requirements of the Seed Certification Scheme of South Africa.
  • Seed lot inspections, routes and sequences are planned according to prescribed procedures for the specific crop and variety.
  • Calculations related to varietal impurities are accurately done by using the prescribed method and procedures.
  • Seed lot inspection reports are correctly, clearly and neatly completed in accordance with standard procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Seed samples received that deviate from ISTA rules are recognised and remedial responses are applied in accordance with standard procedures.
  • The seed sample documentation and referencing is completed in accordance with standard procedures.
  • The seed sample reduction technique used meets sample homogeneity requirements and workplace procedures.
  • The homogeneity status of the sample is displayed in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Submitted sample mass is accurately measured and recorded on purity work card in accordance with standard procedures.
  • The purity analysis of seed is executed accurately and results are recorded in accordance with prescribed procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Laboratory quality standards and legislative requirements are applied to ensure accurate, reproducible and reliable seed testing quality outputs and traceability in accordance with ISTA rules and standard procedures.
  • The accuracy of laboratory measuring equipment is verified and the equipment calibrated in accordance with standard procedures.
  • The compliance of growing media to specifications in ISTA Rules are evaluated and recorded in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Temperature measuring devices are evaluated for accuracy and calibration to specifications in ISTA Rules in accordance with standard procedures.
  • The storage of seed samples, chemicals and work records are controlled in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Laboratory safety and health protection measures are applied in accordance with legislation and prescribed procedures.
  • The integrity of samples and documents are safeguarded in accordance with handling, packaging and storage rules and standards.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider 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 and Trades Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    United States of America (USA) Grain Grading Industry:
    The United States of America Grain Grading Industry is selected for international comparability as they are regarded as worldwide leaders in establishing a regulated structure for enforcing grading standards through licensing and training in grain grading.

    The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) under the USA Grain Grading Industry offers distance education programmes for grain grading in conjunction with the Kansas State University. GEAPS is recognised as the lead provider of the USA grain handling industry and presents a qualification for grain graders that ensures compliance with USA standards.

    The qualification consists of the following learning:
  • Grain Production and Marketing.
  • Grain Marketing Legislation: Industry Trading Rules.
  • Grain Quality Factors.
  • Sampling.
  • Grain Inspection Laboratory Tour.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is comparable with the USA training given to Crop Produce Analysts by the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) so that Crop Analysts know and can apply international standards and rules that must be met by producers and exporters of seed. Both the USA qualification and the Occupational Certificate: Crop Produce Analyst deal with the standards that have to be met in producing agricultural products as well as the related processes of seed testing and grading and sampling processes to ensure the sampling practices that are applied will result in valid and reliable grain and oilseed grading to comply with international standards and the requirements of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally to:
  • National Certificate: Export Administration, Level 5 (ID 96401).

    This qualification articulates vertically to:
  • National Diploma: Grain Handling Management, Level 6. (ID 14873). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.