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: 

Develop and implement a food safety and quality management system in an agricultural supply chain 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116419  Develop and implement a food safety and quality management system in an agricultural supply chain 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
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 learner achieving this unit standard will be able to develop, implement and optimise a management system for food safety and quality practices in an agricultural supply chain in a context of the learners' own choice.

Competent learners will be fully competent in food safety practices thereby providing the environment for the application of quality practices and thus strengthen agricultural practices in general.

Learners will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural practices as applied in the animal, plant and mixed farming sub fields. This unit standard focuses on the application of food safety principles in primary agriculture.

They will be able to participate in, undertake and plan farming practices with knowledge of their environment. This unit standard will instil a culture of maintenance and care for both the environment as well as towards farming infrastructure and operations. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will show competence against the following unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF 3: Apply crop protection and animal health products effectively and responsibly.
  • NQF 4: Implement a food safety and quality management system in the agricultural supply chain.
  • NQF 4: Execute sustainable resources and quality control. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    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 
    Analyse existing food safety and quality management systems in the agricultural environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The analysis will include but is not limited to evaluating safety and management systems such as process (including procedures and mechanisms), infrastructure (facilities, tools, and equipment), hazards and risks of contamination (physical, chemical and micro-biological). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different assessment methods of a safety and quality management system are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The method you will implement, and reason, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    How to compare and collate the data obtained to evaluate the system are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data is collected and collated and recommendations are made based on an interpretation of the data.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Findings are discussed and a report is compiled. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Correctly interpret current market requirements in the agricultural supply chain. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Market requirements may include but is not limited to information on current agri-trade legislation. Market requirements includes but is not limited to:
  • Prerequisite program referring to good agricultural practices (GAP), good manufacturing practices (GMP), good health practices (GHP), good social practices (GSP) and good environmental practices (GEP).
  • Procedures to manage food safety and quality practices pertaining to the agricultural supply chain.
  • Local legislation.
  • International legislation applicable to the country of export.
  • Global and agri-market trends. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The way to access information on current market requirements ar4e discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Definitions of market regulatory requirements such as EUREPGAP, BRC, HACCP etc. mean are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impacts on the activities of the agricultural enterprise are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The way these requirements are implemented at the local level is discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The way it is implemented at the farm level is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Management (of all these processes) is discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Develop a food safety and quality management system to meet market requirements within the agricultural supply chain. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Food safety and quality aspects include but are not limited to traceability, record keeping, varieties (including genetically modified organisms and seed quality), site management, soil history, soil quality and management, fertiliser, irrigation and water quality, crop protection, product handling, waste and pollution management, social welfare, environmental considerations, internal audits.) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The way to develop an integrated food management system, which includes policies, guidelines, procedures, tools and mechanisms on food safety and quality aspects, is discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    How such a system will be managed to be effective and deliver what the market requires is discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Management system aspects include but are not limited to cost effectiveness, flow of information, control measures, personnel, organisational structure, training.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Such a system is demonstrated and the way it relates to traceability is discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Implement and manage a food safety and quality management system in the agricultural supply chain. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The implementation plan includes but is not limited to information flow, development of documentation, upgrading of infrastructure, resources, time scheduling, cost implications, training of personnel etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The development of a plan for the implementation of the food safety and quality management system, with respect to food safety, production, environmental and social practices in the agricultural environment, is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of such a plan for the agricultural enterprise is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The implementation of this plan is discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The way it fits in with the broader picture of the market and its requirements with reference to the primary agricultural activities is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate, take corrective action and make improvements to ensure the effectiveness / efficiency of the food safety and quality management system. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Evaluate, take corrective action and make improvements to ensure the effectiveness/efficiency of the food safety and quality management system with regard to good agricultural practices (GAP) good manufacturing practices (GMP), good health practices (GHP), good social practices (GSP) and good environmental practices (GEP). 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Evaluate, take action and make improvements to the food safety and quality management system includes but is not limited to checking to ensure that what is implemented keeps up with market requirements both local and international. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The evaluation of the efficiency of the system with respect to both the local and international market is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The conducting of audits to ensure proper functioning of the system is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process of being audited for accreditation by an accredited body or organisation is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of this step is discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Design a traceability system for operational efficiency in the agricultural supply chain. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    A traceability system includes but is not limited to a manual or electronic system which includes record keeping of all aspects of the agricultural enterprise to ensure that any irregularities can be traced back to the farm as well as to the source of the problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different aspects that need to be considered when developing a traceability system are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The dealing with all of these aspects individually and how they fit in to form a part of the whole is discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The design and implementation a traceability system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    In relation to the local agricultural market and international agri-trade.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The testing of such a system for reliability and accuracy is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A recall system is designed and implemented. 


    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 they 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 basic knowledge of:
  • Principles of GAP, GMP, GHP, GEP, GSP, HACCP.
  • International and local trade requirements of GAP, GMP, GHP, GEP, GSP.
  • Good agricultural/manufacturing/processing/health practices.
  • Standard operational procedures of the enterprise in agri-trade environment.
  • Standard operation procedures on the farm.
  • Food borne illnesses.
  • Impact of food safety and quality on trade.
  • Contamination risks.
  • Contamination preventative measures and mechanisms.
  • Risk factors related to food safety.
  • Principles of food safety and quality.
  • Principles of environmental and conservation management.
  • Principles of waste and pollution management.
  • Principles of natural resource management.
  • Local legislation (including OHS, Health and Welfare, BCE, Chemical Act)
  • Good record keeping practices.
  • Agricultural hygiene principles.
  • Effective personal hygiene practices.
  • Processes and procedures of internal audits.
  • Methods of system analysis and evaluation.
  • Needs analyses related to training.
  • Traceability.
  • Role and position of international trade organisations.
  • Management skills. 
    		•

    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 all specific outcomes. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to all specific outcomes. 

    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 
    These unit standards form part of the secondary process of the agricultural enterprise and at times the primary system may have no way of controlling what happens once the product leaves the farm gate.

    This unit standard can assist learners who want to enter into the secondary agricultural process. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49011   National Diploma: Animal Production  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  49010   National Diploma: Plant Production  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  63249   National Diploma: Agricultural Extension  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. Pest Management Academy 
    2. Shem Consulting and Training 
    3. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    4. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    5. We Invest Africa 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.