SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the factors that affect the exportation of perishable produce 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243866  Demonstrate knowledge of the factors that affect the exportation of perishable produce 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Recognise the global factors that influence South African perishable produce exports.
  • Indicate the various international and local legislation that regulates the exportation of perishable produce.
  • Identify the various market forces that affect South African perishable produce exports.
  • Indicate the external factors that influence South African exports. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Mathematical Literacy and Communication at NQF Level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Indicate the global factors that affect the exportation of perishable produce. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The global factors include but are not limited to:
  • Quality standards, protocols, quality perception, sophistication of infrastructure, supply chain, labour, local demand. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A brief outline of the origins of perishable produce quality standards in South Africa are described and the ways in which these standards serve to ensure the growth and continuation of exports are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The origins include but are not limited to:
  • APS Act (Agricultural Products Standards), PPECB Act (Perishable Produce Export Control Board), Phytosanitary.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The origination of perishable product protocols and their objectives are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of gauging the international consumer's perception of quality and the necessity for South African producers and exporters to meet these expectations is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity of establishing a sophisticated infrastructure for the exportation of perishable produce is explained and the essential components of this infrastructure are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The essential components include but are not limited to:
  • Good roads network, deep water harbours, international airports, established agricultural laboratories, cold storage facilities.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The supply chain of the perishable produce export industry is listed and the function of each stakeholder is briefly outlined. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The supply chain includes but is not limited to:
  • Producer, packhouse, inland cold store, produce inspection, RRMT (Refrigerated Road Motor Transport), container depot, export agent, port, container vessel, foreign port, importer, retailer, consumer.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The effect that labour costs have on the potential to export perishable products is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The occasions when local demand for perishable products affects exports are described and the measures to counteract these situations are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the importance of complying with local and international requirements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Food safety, adherence to regulations, local legislation, international legislation, quality assurance systems, commercial certification systems, MRL's (Maximum Residual Levels), quality standards, packaging and marking, OHS (Occupational Health and Safety). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why food safety is the cornerstone of all the world's legislation and regulations that pertain to perishable produce are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity to observe both local export standards and those of foreign clients is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The South African legislation that governs the exportation of perishable produce is detailed and the primary objectives of each of these are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The South African legislation includes but is not limited to:
  • APS Act (Agricultural Product Standards), PPECB Act (Perishable Products Export Control Board), phytosanitary regulations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The major international legislation and regulations that affect South Africa's perishable produce exports are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The international legislation and regulations include but are not limited to:
  • BRC (British Retailers Consortium), EUREPGAP (Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group), EU 1148 (European Union regulations), Codex Alimentarius - World Health Organisation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A brief outline of the evolution of quality assurance systems is indicated and the ways in which these systems aim to enhance the quality of food stuffs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The role that commercial certification systems play in ensuring uniformity of quality for particular international markets are indicated and the way in which South African exporters may attain certification, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The function of MRL's and the necessity of adhering to the efficacy periods of the defined chemicals is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The reasons for the imposition of phyto-sanitary regulations for the exportation of perishable produce are indicated and the stages of the supply chain when the phyto-sanitary inspections take place, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The necessity of regulating and enforcing quality standards for packaging and marking perishable produce is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The importance of maintaining high levels of health and safety in the perishable produce industry is indicated and the possible consequences of not adhering to the principles and practices of the OHS are detailed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify the market forces that influence the exportation of perishable products. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The market forces include but are not limited to:
  • Industry associations, new product varieties, market trends, branding, organic, niche markets, packaging and marking, international chain stores. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why various produce and other industry associations have been formed and their objectives are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The influences that the release of new product varieties have on the exports of existing varieties are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The factors that influence market trends and the resultant affect that these have on producers and exporters are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The objectives of branding and the positive results this has on the exportation of the branded product is indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The significant differences in the cultivation and handling of organic produce, as opposed to normally produced crops are detailed and the contribution that organic produce makes to the total these exports is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The unique nature of niche markets and the role that they play in ensuring a higher profitability level for producers and exporters is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The role that specific packaging and marking requirements have on the resources and labour costs for the exporters and the resultant impact that these factors have on the export potential of these products is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The influence that the demands of international chain stores have on the profitability and resources of producers and exporters is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Recognise the external factors that effect the exportation of perishable produce. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The external factors include but are not limited to:
  • Technology, seasons, importing countries economies, subsidisation, migrant labour, global crisis, bio-security, global surplus, freight costs, shipping delays, price fixing, illegal exports. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The influences that improvements in communication and other technological advances have made to perishable produce exports is related. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effects that an importing countries economy has on its ability to conduct trade with South Africa are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons why many of the developed countries have subsidised their agricultural production are detailed and the impact that this has on South African exportation is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The cost implications of using migrant labour for harvesting and packing perishable produce are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The disruptive effects that a global crisis has on the financial and logistical ability of the affected countries to import perishable produce are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The inhibiting effects that a global surplus has on the potential for exports are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The significance of seasonal differences between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, with regard to perishable produce production and the resultant benefits to South African exports are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of determining the freight costs, when assessing the possibility of exporting perishable produce is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The cost and quality implications of shipping delays are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The concept of price fixing is explained and the implications that it has on the sustainability of an export opportunity are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The general characteristics of illegal exports and the reasons why an exporter may opt for this route are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    The short and long term effects of illegal exports on regular exportation are described. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying knowledge of the global trends when conducting an export feasibility study. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the researching of the factors that influence the exportation of perishable produce. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Taking cognisance of the trade barriers and other impediments to exportation when strategising future export drives. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Collecting all relevant exportation statistics and appraise the current opportunities and threats for future transactions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting of current trends in the international consumer's preferences. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the importance of adhering to the specific chemical control regimens of the international markets. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58350   Further Education and Training Certificate: Perishable Produce Exportation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.