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: 

Assess the quality of grain for local and export markets 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243860  Assess the quality of grain for local and export markets 
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  15 
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:
  • Describe the composition and structure of the grain industry in South Africa.
  • Be conversant with the grain handling terminology.
  • Comply with the legislative and logistical requirements for grain handling.
  • Draw a representative sample of grain for quality assessment.
  • Conduct an examination of grain for quality assessment.
  • Inspect and verify the condition and suitability of a port's facilities and the ship's hold for a consignment of grain.
  • Evaluate the overall suitability of a grain consignment for local or export markets. 
    		•

    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 
    Outline the background and structure of the local and export grain industries. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The background and structure includes but is not limited to:
  • South African production areas, global competition, industry role players and their functions, local and export markets and statistics, production chain, research and development, derivative products. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various grain types that are grown for the local and export markets are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Maize, wheat, soya beans, popcorn, buck wheat, dry beans, sunflower seeds, grain sorghum, grass seeds, leguminous seeds, sunflower seeds, barley, canola, lupine.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The major grain production areas in South Africa are identified and the varieties that are grown in each area are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The products that are derived from grain and the contribution that these products provide to the overall grain sales are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Derivative products include but are not limited to:
  • Flour, maize meal, samp, bird & animal feed, canned products, oil, health foods, wheat germ, bran, mazina, margarine, canola oil, confectionary, cereals.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The extent of the global grain export industry, with regard to grain production levels and statistics are outlined and the countries that constitute South Africa's competition are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The structure and marketing systems used in the local grain industry are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The stakeholders in the grain industry are listed and the function that they each perform is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The positive contribution that ongoing research and development has on the viability and profitability of grain is described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the definitions and applications of the terminology used in the grain industry. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Definitions as contained in the APS Act No 119 of 1990 for each product, reasons, ensure correct identification, application and interpretation of deviations. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why all stakeholders and participants in the grain industry should understand and use the specific terminology are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The definition and relevance of the general terminology that is used in the export industry is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    General terminology includes but is not limited to:
  • Consignment, container, count, FBO, food safety, hazard, assessor, suitable, the APS act, the PPECB act, traceability, ship hold, storage facilities, MRL's (Maximum Residual Levels), SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The definition and application of the terminology that is used to describe the quality of grain is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specific grain terminology includes but is not limited to:
  • Hectare litre mass, protein content, moisture content, amber glossy and flirty kernels, cultivar list, heavily frost damaged wheat, damaged kernels, sealed fungi infected kernels, unthreshed ears, ergot sclerotia, falling number, prescribed remedies, stinking smut infection, wrinkled testa, colour group, retail quantity, size group, speckled, stained, class, damaged testa, defective kernels, foreign matter, grade, insect, mould infested kernels, noxious seeds, other class, shrivelled kernels, soiled kernels, split kernels, slotted screens.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the legislative and logistical requirements for local and export markets and the necessary processes to ensure compliance. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The processes and standards include but are not limited to:
  • Pre harvest procedures, harvesting methods, post harvest treatments, silo and warehousing handling procedures, legislative requirements, logistics, food safety standards, packaging requirements, marking requirements, inspection of packaging (bags), pallets. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The impact that production and harvesting methods can have on the quality of grain is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A brief outline of the various post harvest processes is explained and the areas where the quality of grain may be jeopardised, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various grading procedures for local and export markets are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Grading procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Initial producer grading, post selection grading, export grading.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The silo and warehousing handling procedures, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The legislative requirements that must be met before a grain exportation inspection will be conducted, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legislative requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Service request, facilities inspection, registration with PPECB, registration with DOA, dispensations, documentation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The various food safety standards that must be adhered to and the procedures to ensure compliance to these, as per the regulations and SOPs, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The requirements to which the grain containers must adhere to, as per the regulations and SOPs, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The packing requirements for local and export markets, as per the regulations and SOPs, are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The marking requirements for containers and grain consignments destined for local or export markets, as per the regulations and SOPs, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The logistics that have to be verified before a grain export inspection may be conducted are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Logistics include but are not limited to:
  • Documentation: notice of inspection, service request, consignment note.
  • General requirements: regulations and protocols, inspection fees, product presentation and identification.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The importance and benefits of establishing and implementing a quality management system for grain handling of exportation products are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Benefits include but are not limited to:
  • Market requirements, client confidence, ensure traceability, quality assurance, food safety, performance audits.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Draw a representative grain sample for inspection. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The sampling range includes but is not limited to:
  • Aim of sampling - validating quality, principles of sampling, representative, working samples, deviating samples, MRL's (Maximum Residual Levels), Sampling methodology, grain: bulk or bag, regulations/ company SOP's (Standard Operating Procedure). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The aims and objectives of grain sampling and the importance of obtaining a representative sample are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles of sampling and the reasons why these must be applied when grain sampling is conducted are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles include but are not limited to:
  • Random, predictable, selective, position.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The criteria for examination of a grain consignment as per regulations or the company's SOPs are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The size and percentage of a grain consignment that must be drawn for inspection, as per the regulations or the company's SOPs are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of drawing a representative sample of grain, relative to the size of the consignment are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sampling methods include but are not limited to:
  • Grain probe, shovel, cup.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for the conducting of MRL sampling for grain are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The necessity of identifying and including possible deviating specimens when conducting sampling is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Determine the quality of grain for compliance to local and export market requirements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The quality determination includes but is not limited to:

    Sensorial testing, mass determination, moisture content, protein content, foreign matter, damaged testa, classes, screenings, instruments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods to determine the hectare litre mass of a grain consignment are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance that the sensorial inspection plays in the identification of detrimental substances in a grain consignment and the particular odours that must be recognised, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures to determine the class of a grain consignment are described and the various classes including their respective characteristics are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods to determine the moisture content of a grain consignment are explained and the acceptable moisture levels for the relevant grain types are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods to determine the percentage of foreign matter in a grain consignment are described and the allowable ratio of these, as per the standards is related. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures to determine the protein content for the relevant grain types is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The methods to determine the percentage of damaged testa and kernels in a grain consignment are described and the allowable proportion of these, as per the standards is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The procedures to determine the percentage of kernels on various screens, as per the regulations or SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The various non conformities in a grain consignment that may render it unsuitable for export are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non conformities include but are not limited to:
  • Undesirable odours, chemical residues, live and dead insects and plant injurious organisms of phytosanitary importance, foreign matter, substances that are harmful to human and animal and to human and animal feed, moisture content, ergot sclerotia, unthreshed ears, noxious seeds, mould infested kernels, stinking smut infection, sealed fungi infected kernels, amber glossy and flirty kernels, soiled kernels, blemished kernels, shrivelled kernels, heat damaged kernels, damaged testa, wrinkled testa, heavily frost damaged wheat, broken or split dry beans.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The equipment and instruments that are used to examine grain for compliance to the standards are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment and instruments include but are not limited to:
  • Screens/sieves, scale, moisture meter, grain probes, bulk probes, sample divider, popping volume machine, sampling container, protein meter.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Describe the transport and ship loading procedures for a grain consignment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The loading procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Health and safety precautions, transport registration, current certification, inland loading and transport/shipping documentation, vessel cleanliness and fumigation status, facilities inspection, monitoring the moisture content, insect infestation, contamination by other products, tolerances, unloading and fumigation. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The health and safety precautions that must be observed whilst conducting an evaluation of a grain consignment are detailed and the various items of personal protective equipment that must be used are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protective items include but are not limited to:
  • PPC (Personal Protective Clothing), dust masks, hand gloves, rust scraper, safety helmet, gas detector.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures to verify the transport registration and current certification as per food safety legislation, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedure to verify the inland loading and transport/shipping documentation against the consignment specifications are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures to verify the cleanliness of the vessel and its fumigation status as per the standards and SOPs are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of inspecting the facilities that are used for the storing and conveying of grain to the ships hold is explained and the components that must be inspected are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Facilities include but are not limited to:
  • Port silo, conveyor, vessel hold.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for monitoring the moisture content of grain as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of monitoring the loading of grain into the vessel's hold and the implications of contamination are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The tolerances that are allowed in the gauging of the degree of contamination of a consignment are detailed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Determine the outcome of the quality assessment of a grain consignment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The outcome criteria include but are not limited to:
  • Evaluation of overall results, documentation (including dispensations, SLA's), food safety MRL's and aflatoxin, containers and packaging, traceability, marking requirements, quality findings against tolerances and standards, mode of transport- inspection verification, vessel hold inspection verification, final decision, approval procedures, rejection procedures and alternative markets, Rejection: dispensation, consider alternative standards/markets, documentation, stickers, Issue certification and addendum (if necessary). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various documentation that affects the evaluation of a grain consignment and the influence that these have on the determination parameters of acceptable quality is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documentation includes but is not limited to:
  • Dispensations, SLA's (Service Level Agreements), SOPs.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The food safety considerations that determine the acceptability of a grain consignment as per regulations are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Food safety considerations include but are not limited to:
  • Hygienic status of containers, physical state of containers, MRL's (Maximum Residue Levels).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various packaging and marking requirements that are considered in the evaluation of a grain consignment, as per regulations and SOPs, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Suitability of containers, condition of containers, marking requirements, traceability.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance that the evaluation of the quality findings against the allowable tolerances and standards has on the determination of acceptability of a grain consignment is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The documentation and procedures that have to be followed on the approval of a grain consignment are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documentation and procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Approval documentation, application of relevant stickers/labels/markings, issue certification and addendum (if necessary).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The documentation and procedures that have to be followed on the rejection of export approval and the alternative markets that may be considered for the grain consignment are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documentation and procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Rejection notification and documentation, application of relevant stickers/labels/markings, review dispensation options, consider alternative standards/markets.
     
    		•


    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 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the assessment criteria for each specific outcome and must be assed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    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 the export standards to evaluate the conformity of a grain consignment. 
    		•

    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 verifying of the storage conditions for grain. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing to conduct the sampling and assessment of a grain consignment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Documenting the results of the grain examinations. 
    		•

    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:
  • Formulating the grain compliance report and communicating the findings to the relevant parties. 
    		•

    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 the necessary equipment to conduct a grain sampling test. 
    		•

    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
    Elective  58350   Further Education and Training Certificate: Perishable Produce Exportation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  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.