Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:42 AM AWST

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Develop a horticultural production plan

Develop a horticultural production plan

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPHT502A
State Code
D7200
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/06/2014
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
25/06/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of developing a production plan for a horticultural enterprise, and defines the standard required to: establish product specifications; research site factors and land use issues; select and source plants or plant material for seeding or propagation; design and incorporate infrastructure into planning; specify a monitoring program to cover the operation from sowing to sale; and document and cost the production plan.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Carry out preliminary planning activities
  • 1.1. Client preferences and requirements for the horticultural product are understood and confirmed according to enterprise marketing and business plans.
  • 1.2. The production site is assessed for growing environment factors, services and site modifications.
  • 1.3. Research is conducted into the characteristics and growing requirements of plant species and cultivars, legal attributes of the production site, and local by-laws and restrictions that may affect the production plan.
  • 1.4. Sustainable land use issues that may affect planned production are identified and, if necessary, reported to relevant personnel for further research.
  • 1.5. Production targets are set that are consistent with the marketing strategy and business plan.
  • 1.6. Production requirements in terms of quantity, quality and availability of the product are determined.
  • 1.7. A preliminary plan that reflects client preferences and requirements, and takes into account site factors and any identified sustainable land use requirements, is developed and presented to appropriate personnel for discussion and approval.
2. Determine the requirements of horticultural production
  • 2.1. Plant species and cultivars that are appropriate to the site and consistent with the agreed preliminary plan are identified, and the required quantity calculated, costed and availability confirmed with the supplier.
  • 2.2. Plant establishment procedures consistent with the agreed preliminary plan are selected according to the characteristics and growing requirements of available plant materials, site factors, resources and equipment available and the sustainable land use factors affecting the success of production.
  • 2.3. Design of the production site includes irrigation and drainage systems, and takes into account the growing requirements of plants and sustainable land use practices.
  • 2.4. Cultural management of the growing environment from planting to harvest is provided for according to client requirements, site capabilities and enterprise standards, and encourages optimal growth.
  • 2.5. Harvesting dates to meet market deadlines are determined according to enterprise policies.
  • 2.6. Resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for the establishment of the production site, propagation of plants, planting, cultural management of the growing environment, harvesting and post-harvest care are identified, costed and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel.
  • 2.7. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with production activities are identified, risks assessed and controls developed according to enterprise guidelines, costed and documented in the plan.
  • 2.8. Policy concerning out-of-standard products is identified according to enterprise customer service, quality assurance policies and marketing strategy.
3. Schedule production activities
  • 3.1. Staged implementation and development of product are outlined, where appropriate, with access for future works provided for according to client, enterprise and site requirements.
  • 3.2. Timelines for preparations, the establishment of the production site, propagation of plants, planting, cultural management of the growing environment, harvesting and post-harvest care are determined taking into account the needs of the plant species and cultivars, the softscape and hardscape components, site conditions and any other planning requirements.
  • 3.3. Timing within the plan ensures that available enterprise production facilities and space are effectively and efficiently utilised.
  • 3.4. Marketing is planned and scheduled according to the production schedule and marketing strategy.
4. Plan monitoring of the production plan
  • 4.1. Production activities to be monitored, the format for recording factors, frequency of monitoring and the thresholds for remedial action are determined according to enterprise and industry quality assurance policies.
  • 4.2. Required remedial action is documented for implementation by staff according to enterprise and industry quality assurance policies.
  • 4.3. Effectiveness of the monitoring system is reviewed on a regular basis according to enterprise and industry quality assurance policies.
  • 4.4. The production program is compared with feedback and projections from clients according to sound business practice.
5. Prepare and document the production plan and specification
  • 5.1. Detailed plan, specifications and quotation are prepared based on horticultural conventions and the requirements of production, and presented to appropriate personnel for acceptance.
  • 5.2. Scaled production site plan is produced which can be readily interpreted and understood by on-site personnel according to enterprise standards.
  • 5.3. Detailed on-site procedures and schedules required for production are developed and documented.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Industry sectors involved in production may include
nursery
turf
floriculture and production horticulture.
Products may include
fruit
vegetables
herbs
flowers
foliage
bulbs
tubers
nuts
mushrooms
seeds
wild harvest plants and oils
trees
shrubs
turf
containerised and bare-rooted grown plants.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
establish product specifications
research site factors and land use issues
select and source plants or plant material for seeding or propagation
design and incorporate infrastructure into planning
specify a monitoring program to cover the operation from sowing to sale
document and cost the production plan.
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3307 RTF5001A Develop a horticultural production plan Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAT70 AHCPHT502 Develop a horticultural production plan Unit of competency