AHCPHT303
Implement a post-harvest program


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a post-harvest program for horticultural crops.

It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. 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. Prepare for implementation of post-harvest operations

1.1 Identify post-harvest operations to be performed

1.2 Select materials, tools, equipment and machinery

1.3 Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery

2. Coordinate post-harvest work

2.1 Identify enterprise work team and coordinate tasks

2.2 Undertake post-harvest operations

2.3 Maintain a clean, safe and hygienic work area

3. Implement post-harvest treatments

3.1 Grade and label harvested produce

3.2 Identify and dispose of produce that does not meet specifications and enterprise standards

3.3 Select post-harvest treatments according to harvested produce requirements

3.4 Ensure timing, rate, application method, environmental requirements and handling techniques conform to the requirements of the harvested produce

3.5 Ensure post-harvest practices are economical, methodical, meet established work schedules and minimise damage to produce

3.6 Clean and maintain tools, equipment and machinery

4. Implement hazardous waste disposal guidelines

4.1 Review waste disposal requirements and determine operational tasks

4.2 Monitor collection of waste and disposal

4.3 Report conditions likely to impact on business viability

5. Implement packing and presentation requirements of produce

5.1 Review specified packing and presentation requirements and determine operational tasks

5.2 Monitor and adjust packing and presentation processes

5.3 Record packing and presentation processes

6. Implement storage requirements of produce

6.1 Review specified storage requirements and determine operational tasks

6.2 Monitor storage processes and facilities

6.3 Record storage processes and conditions

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:

identify post-harvest operations to be performed

coordinate post harvest operations

dispose of hazardous waste materials in line with guidelines and enterprise requirements

implement post-harvest treatments and packing, presentation and storage requirements according to market specifications


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices postharvest treatments and processes

attributes of produce in relation to the desired quality of produce to be presented to the client

characteristics and procedures for the use of cool rooms

cool chain principles and practices

correct storage temperatures for a range of produce

enterprise confined spaces policy and safety procedures

environmental effects of post-harvest treatments and hazardous waste disposal methodologies, application and purpose

humidity levels and their effect on the quality of produce

hygiene issues in the handling and storage of plant produce

industry standards for packaging

integrated pest management principles and enterprise policy

relationship between the quality attributes of produce and packing techniques and packaging

storage methods for a range of produce

the importance of maintaining the quality of produce including handling and cooling requirements


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)