Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

animal welfare agencies and groups
catchment management groups
conservation and environmental bodies, such as the World Wildlife Fund
cooperative research centres (CRCs)
cooperatives, marketing bodies and associations
employer groups and employee associations
groups representing other resource users
natural resource management groups, such as Landcare Australia and the Australian government's Bushcare initiative
organic certification bodies
professional or industry bodies, especially those representing growers, producers and consumers
quality assurance certification bodies
R and D corporations
registered training organisations
schools
state, territory and federal government agencies.

attendance at industry conferences
extension and field days
local research trials
professional or industry bodies
research organisations such as R and D corporations and CRCs
trade or professional journals.

Research and industry information may be
best practice groups
catchment management and Landcare Australia groups
email and websites
participation in local community, industry or cooperative marketing arrangements and events
participation in relevant meetings or events.

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
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function, such as RTE5525A

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The critical requirements for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

access and critically evaluate information and research findings of relevance to one's own enterprise and industry sector
integrate research and development into farm/enterprise planning
evaluate the potential of research proposals with other producers, associates or colleagues.

Context and specific resources for assessment
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be based on evidence of the ability to evaluate and apply industry knowledge and work with other producers with similar interests.
For valid assessment, one must have opportunities to participate in exercises, case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to research and apply rural industry knowledge.

Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to research and apply rural industry knowledge must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts, including the ability to deal with unplanned events. For example, this could include knowledge in areas of natural resources, finance and marketing, and production techniques.