Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a production plan for a horticultural enterprise.
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. Carry out planning activities | 1.1 Ensure client preferences and requirements are understood and confirmed according to enterprise marketing and business plans 1.2 Assess the production site for growing factors, services and site modifications 1.3 Research the growing requirements of plant species and cultivars and restrictions that may affect the production plan 1.4 Identify sustainable land use issues that may affect planned production 1.5 Set production targets that are consistent with the marketing strategy and business plan 1.6 Determine production requirements in terms of quantity, quality and availability of the product 1.7 Develop a plan that reflects client preferences and requirements |
2. Determine the requirements of horticultural production | 2.1 Identify plant species that are consistent with the plan and the calculate, cost and confirm availability with the supplier 2.2 Select plant establishment procedures consistent with the agreed plan 2.3 Ensure design of the site includes irrigation and drainage systems, and takes into account the growing requirements of plants and sustainable land use practices 2.4 Provide cultural management of the growing environment from planting to harvest 2.5 Determine harvesting dates to meet market deadlines 2.6 Identify resources required for the establishment of the site |
3. Schedule production activities | 3.1 Outline staged implementation and development with future works access provided for 3.2 Determine timelines, taking into account any other planning requirements 3.3 Plan marketing and schedule according to the production schedule and marketing strategy |
4. Plan monitoring of the production plan | 4.1 Determine production activities to be monitored, the format for recording factors, frequency of monitoring and the thresholds for remedial action 4.2 Document required remedial for implementation by staff 4.3 Review on a regular basis the effectiveness of the monitoring system 4.4 Compare the production program with feedback and projections from clients |
5. Prepare and document the production plan and specification | 5.1 Prepare detailed plan, specifications and quotation based on horticultural conventions and the requirements of production 5.2 Develop and document detailed on-site procedures and schedules required for production |
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:
develop a horticultural production plan that reflects client preferences and requirements
design and incorporate infrastructure into planning
document and cost the production plan
establish product specifications
research site factors and land use issues
select and source plants or plant material for seeding or propagation
develop a monitoring program to cover the horticultural operation from sowing to sale
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for developing a horticultural production plan
advantages and limitations of sustainable horticulture systems
establishment and maintenance of a range of enterprise horticultural products in relation to client needs and the standards required by the marketplace
establishment procedures, plant selection and cultural practices for a range of enterprise horticultural products
processes and techniques for preparing, costing and documenting plans for and scheduling horticultural production
role of business and marketing plans and client consultation processes in planning horticultural production
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)