New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3)

Summary

Learn about the factors influencing organic production, the biotic interactions which occur in organic production ecosystems, soil and ground preparation for organic production, and how to control for weeds, animal pest, and disease in an organic production activity.

This programme is delivered in partnership with The Biological Husbandry Unit (based at Lincoln University).

The aims of the qualification are as follows:

• To gain skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to working or further training in the organic primary production sector
• To provide a base for learners to progress to more advanced studies in organic primary production
• To provide a programme of study that will enhance your knowledge base of organic production growing systems and environments for those working, or intending to work in the sector

Course Content

Compulsory

• COH100 Societal, environmental, and cultural factors influencing organic production philosophy (10 credits)
• COH101 Biotic interactions within organic ecosystems (10 credits)
• COH102 Management for successful organic primary production (10 credits)
• COH103 Holistic Integration of Organic Principles for Primary Production (10 Credits) COH105 Establishment, care and protection of crops or pasture in organic production (5 credits)

Elective - select 10 credits from the following:

• COH104 Soil and ground preparation for organic production (5 credits)
• COH105 Establishment, care and protection of crops or pasture in organic production (5 credits)
• COH106 Weed, animal pest, and disease control in organic primary production (5 credits)

At the successful completion of this programme, students will have the required competencies to function successfully and effectively at entry levels within the horticulture sector. Graduates of this qualification may be employed, or self-employed as an:

• Organic orchard worker
• Organic vineyard worker
• Organic greenhouse worker
• Organic crop worker
• Organic nursery worker
• Organic farm assistant/worker
• Organic pastoral farm worker
• Organic arable farm worker
• Mahinga Kai assistant/worker

Satisfactory Completion

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

• A minimum of 50 credits in accordance with the Programme schedule for the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3).
• The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3) full-time over 6 months or part-time over 2 years.