Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage a permaculture seed bank. It requires the ability to plan seed collection, implement seed collection and maintain a seed collection in storage. Managing a permaculture seed bank requires knowledge of plant biology, handling and extraction of seed, treatment and documentation, collecting ethics, protocols and legislative parameters and storage techniques.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan seed collection for a permaculture seed bank | 1.1 Analyse requirements for seed collecting, and interpret them for required seed characteristics and implementation issues 1.2 Identify opportunities for seed collection from field observation and liaison with other specialists in this field 1.3 Identify and mark on a plan suitable areas and plants for seed collection 1.4 Select method of seed collection appropriate to the geography of the local area, size and type of plants and available resources 1.5 Determine and document quantity of seed to be collected from each provenance 1.6 Liaise with relevant authorities or owners and seek approvals where required |
2. Implement seed collection program | 2.1 Coordinate and schedule people, materials and equipment required by the seed collection program 2.2 Identify and obtain any permits and approvals required for the seed collection 2.3 Identify the seed and complete the required documentation |
3. Maintain a seed collection | 3.1 Check the quantity, quality and provenances of the collected seed 3.2 Check and monitor the health of seed collected and take remedial action where required 3.3 Control pests and conditions detrimental to seed health 3.4 Dispose appropriately of seeds that are non-viable owing to age or pest attack 3.5 Supply true to type and appropriately labelled seed to others 3.6 Record up to date details of seeds held in storage |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
plan seed collection
implement a seed collection program
maintain a seed collection
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
flowering biology of the target species
biological signs which indicate that the seed crop is ready to be collected
seed banks, such as:
community seed banks and networks
private seed collections
organic food production enterprises such as market gardens
community supported agriculture seed sources
community garden and city farm seed banks
supply of vegetative propagation for perennial plants
heritage and non-hybrid seed distributors
heritage and non-hybrid seed producers
permaculture plant and seed nurseries
community seed swaps
methods of seed collection, such as:
hand-picking seeds or seed capsules
harvesting whole plant
collecting and ripening fruit
collecting after felling
using ladders
climbing
shaking
high-powered rifles (licensed operators only)
elevated platforms
extraction of the seed from the collected material
handling of the seed crop after picking
storage of seed, such as:
bags or envelopes
appropriate containers
cool, dry location
dehumidifying agents (silica gel, wood ash)
oxygen exclusion techniques
freezer or refrigerator
pest deterrent mechanisms
light exclusion mechanisms
documentation of the extracted seed, such as:
information on provenance
botanical name: family, genus, species, variety and/or cultivar
common names
brief plant description
identity of collector
date collected or use by date
quantity (by weight or number of seeds)
viability test results
organic certification of grower
growing instructions such as recommended season and spacing
provenances of seed, such as:
location and growing conditions of parent plant
sub-catchment identification of seed from endemic native plant populations
species and/or varieties adapted to local conditions
collecting ethics, protocols and legislative parameters, such as:
limits on quantity allowed for collection
limits on time period for collection
particular use or destination for seed
indigenous plant regulatory conditions
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited Certificate IV or Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)