This qualification provides learners with a firm foundation of portable skills with which to enter the horticultural industry in its broadest sense, or if already employed in the industry, be able to look forward to a career path in any sector of the industry.

A Learner achieving this qualification will be able to work effectively and productively within the field of horticulture knowing:

• The basic differences between the various plants.
• How plants are categorized.
• How to prepare the soil for planting.
• How to grow, handle and care for plants.
• How to apply water to planted areas correctly.

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to mobilise communities and individuals to set up agricultural initiatives for sustainable development.

For those who have been in the primary agricultural sector for a long time, this qualification can be used in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to recognise and assess the skills already acquired in the primary agricultural context, without the benefit of formal education or training.

This qualification will provide the learner with the skills, knowledge and values required to facilitate landcare by:

• Working with and mobilising rural communities/people for sustainable development and economic empowerment.
• Planning, setting up and supporting sustainable farming initiatives.
• Designing and resourcing participatory landcare projects.
• Monitoring and reporting on progress of landcare initiatives.
• Managing finances within the context of sustainable farming initiatives.
• Facilitating learning through community involvement in landcare projects.
• Coordinating strategies for sustainable landcare and development.
• Coordinating the implementation of new and alternative approaches and practices to landcare and agriculture.

The purpose of this qualification is to allow new entrants access to the Primary Agricultural Sector with specific reference to Plant Production. The contexualised purpose and usage of the qualification is as follows:

• A learner assessed against this qualification will have the necessary competence to participate as part of a working team, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to Plant production in a closely defined context and under close supervision.
• Competency will be gained in any of the specialized sub-fields of Plant Production as specified under Areas Of Specialization (i.e. Vegetables, Fruit Production, Hydroponics, etc.)
• The learner will be able to take responsible decisions within a limited range based on a sound understanding of the basic principles of agri-business and good agricultural practices, in meeting the set objectives and targets within the broader farm plan which includes the economical application of general resources, agricultural production and technical knowledge and skills, all in an Plant Production context.
• The Learner will be able to carry out repetitive procedures in a predictable environment and will be able to adhere to the relevant safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards as applicable within the industry.
• In addition to the above, the learner will be well positioned to extend learning and practice into other sub-fields such as Plant Production and Mixed Farming, since such efforts will only require additional learning within the elective scope of other qualifications at this level.
• The learner will be well positioned to progress towards higher levels of Management and Technical production practices as defined by qualifications at the next level.
• Learners will be enabled to actively participate in the Primary Agricultural Sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.
• Finally, this qualification will allow qualifying learners to become economically active in farming practices that will have a direct impact on Local Economic Development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.

This course provides learners with a firm foundation of portable skills with which to enter the horticultural industry in its broadest sense, or if already employed in the industry, be able to look forward to a career path in any sector of the industry.