Horticultural Crop Growers

Horticultural Crop Growers plan, organise, control, coordinate and perform farming operations to grow horticultural crops such as flowers, fruit, grapes, nuts, turf and vegetables.

**Indicative skill level:**

#### In Australia and New Zealand:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

**Tasks include:**

- planning and coordinating the production and marketing of horticultural crops, from soil preparation to harvest, taking into account environmental and market factors - planning crop production and selecting seeds, seedlings, bulbs and plant stock - coordinating and developing strategies for cultivating, fertilising and watering to maintain optimal production, crop health and growing conditions - organising farming operations and routines, such as collecting, storing, grading and packaging produce - planning and coordinating the sale, purchase and despatch of produce - directing and overseeing general farming activities to maintain crop health by managing biosecurity and other risks and controlling pests and weeds - planning and overseeing the provision and maintenance of infrastructure such as equipment, machinery, sheds and water supply systems and irrigation systems - maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity, and planning production accordingly - overseeing data collection and analysis and farm technology systems - managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management - may select, train and supervise staff and contractors