This unit applies to a specialist grower under a commercial arrangement.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess pollination service requirement

1.1. Pollination services to be provided are confirmed with customer.

1.2. Number and types of colonies required for crop are determined.

1.3. Strength and condition of bee colonies are assessed for their suitability for use as crop pollinators.

1.4. Risk of pollination problems is assessed with customer and process to monitor risk is agreed and established.

1.5. Technical information is provided to customer.

2. Price and formalise agreement for pollination services

2.1. Costs in providing pollination services are identified and calculated.

2.2. Price for pollination services is agreed with customer.

2.3. Formal agreement is made with customer and documented.

3. Monitor pollination performance of bee colonies

3.1. Crop is monitored within appropriate timeframe for evidence of bee foraging and pollination efficiency.

3.2. Remedial action is taken where required.

3.3. Hive strength and condition are demonstrated to customer where required.

3.4. Swarm control is maintained.

3.5. Bee husbandry practices are carried out as required.

4. Comply with industry and legislative requirement

4.1. Appropriate health certificates and permits are obtained where bees are to be moved across state borders.

4.2. Appropriate pollination code of practice is followed.

4.3. All state or territory Apiary Acts and other relevant Acts and regulations, and local government regulations affecting beekeeping are addressed.

Required skills

identifying hazards and following safe work practices

calculating strength and numbers of bee colonies required to pollinate crop

managing pollination of honey bee colonies

monitoring chemical use near hives

monitoring climate and weather

monitoring hive activity on target crop

pricing and negotiating provision of services

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

chemicals used on each crop to be pollinated and available alternatives

environmental and climatic factors affecting bee foraging behaviour and pollination

essential elements of a valid contract

location of colonies to maximise pollination

management of health and performance of bee colonies

nutrition and water requirements of bees

pollination requirements of major crops in locality of operation, including nearby crops/plants that may be more attractive to foraging bees

public liability insurance requirements.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

assess need for pollination

negotiate price and pollination agreement

comply with all industry and legislative requirements

identify suitable locations within crop or site for hive placement

objectively assess hive condition and suitability for pollination

monitor performance of contract and of bee colonies.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Performance relates to and may include:

all processes and equipment used in commercial bee pollination services.

Unit sector

Beekeeping

This unit contains employability skills.