Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor of a horticultural crop harvesting program.
It 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. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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 for harvesting | 1.1 Assess and record crop maturity and quality 1.2 Estimate best time to harvest crop 1.3 Undertake pre-harvest treatments for control and eradication of pests 1.4 Determine harvesting resource requirements and estimate when to harvest |
2. Coordinate the harvest strategy | 2.1 Implement harvesting operations according to customer requirements, weather, equipment and staff availability 2.2 Coordinate and monitor equipment operation for maximum efficiency and effectiveness 2.3 Identify and control hazards |
3. Complete harvest operation | 3.1 Locate storage resources 3.2 Determine strategies for drying crops if necessary 3.3 Monitor work to ensure that crop is graded, packed and stored according to enterprise requirements 3.4 Evaluate harvesting operations and outcomes against harvest strategy 3.5 Provide feedback on performance to personnel under supervision 3.6 Document crop quality, pre-harvest treatments and outcomes of harvest for continual analysis and effective planning management |
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:
coordinate equipment
document a crop harvesting report
establish strategies for pre-harvest and harvest
estimate crop quality and yield
evaluate harvest operations and outcomes
implement treatments for control and eradication of pests
implementing safe workplace and positive environmental practices
organise resources for the harvest
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for crop harvesting
crop measurement techniques and parameters
customer requirements
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to harvesting operations
functions and limitations of harvesting equipment
location and relative skills and abilities of available staff, contractors or casual staff
market information and sources
relevant legislation and regulations relating to workplace health and safety, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, and vehicle and plant use
required productivity rates
weather or other conditions that may affect harvest
where relevant to enterprise's production: food safety and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) requirements, and requirements for export markets
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Production horticulture [PHT]