Level 6 Agriculture and Horticulture Professional Advisor

Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Page Main Image

Introduction to the Apprenticeship

The University of Lincoln is proud to offer this apprenticeship programme, which has been designed to support the work-based learning and professional development of Agricultural and Horticultural Advisors.

An Agricultural and Horticultural Advisor uses the latest scientific thinking, legislation, policy and environmental requirements to consult with farmers and growers, providing technical advice and supporting their crop husbandry.

The day-to-day responsibilities of an Advisor may include:

  • Liaising with key stakeholders, such as colleagues, farmers, growers, industry experts including scientists, consultants and research organisations
  • Regular presence on grower premises, such as farms, nurseries, estates and glasshouses
  • Provide accurate, research-informed advice – an Advisor is accountable and expected to use their initiative
  • Report to Senior Management or carry out leadership tasks, such as team development, mentoring and budget management
Crops growing in a field

The Apprenticeship Standard

On completion of this apprenticeship standard you will have demonstrated your professional skills and knowledge as an Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor. You will need to show that you have a strong set of supervisory skills, a solid knowledge of food/plant production in line with requirements, and the ability to work with and lead others.

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Mandatory Qualifications

  • Level 2 in Maths and English

Please note: Individuals who have not achieved Maths and English qualifications or those who do not have copies of their certificates will be required to complete Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English during their apprenticeship programme and prior to end point assessment.

  • BASIS-FSTS - Certificate in Crop Protection IPM (Agriculture and Horticulture) – Option 1 (Agronomy and Precision Farming Advisor) Level: 6 (non-degree qualification)
  • BASIS-FACTS Certification and Training Scheme (Agriculture and Horticulture) – Option 2 (Nutrition and Fertiliser Advisor) Level:5

Individuals who want to achieve professionally recognised qualifications can also access additional study outside of their apprenticeship through our off-the-job learning and professional courses:

Short Courses: Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology

Short Courses: National Centre for Food Manufacturing

Assessment

The programme is assessed in a variety of ways, including scenario-based assessment, knowledge exams, phase tests, project work and a portfolio of evidence with professional discussion, prior to undertaking End Point Assessment.

Apprenticeship Standard

More information about the Level 6 Agriculture and Horticulture Professional Advisor standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship Qualification Modules (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Units)

  • Provide scientific and evidence based agronomic, environmental, legislative, and crop husbandry advice to farmers, growers, distributors, or other relevant stakeholders.

  • Maintain and develop relationships with farmers, growers, and external bodies and all those involved with carrying out the agreed actions which arise from the advisory decisions that have been made.

  • Assess grower cropping challenges and provide tailored advice (which could encompass crop husbandry decisions, farm business management, adherence to crop production protocols, acquisition of new equipment or changes to cropping patterns).

  • Utilise appropriate Management Information Systems (MIS) to handle, record, manipulate, and interrogate data to the benefit of the farmer or grower and the service provider (many of which will be specific to the sector e.g. Gatekeeper or MuddyBoots)

  • Deliver effective and high standards of Customer Care (to farmers, growers, and colleagues)
  • Conduct, manage, and maintain effective communications with farmers, growers, and colleagues using a range of systems and techniques.
  • Manage and plan workload and logistics (both for themselves and, where appropriate, for team members and those they may be mentoring or coaching).
  • Maintain and enhance their continuous professional development and knowledge (which will also ensure compliance with the necessary standards and assurances within the agricultural, horticultural, amenity, and food production sector).
  • Demonstrate the business culture, values, and standards of the business in which they are employed within the agriculture sector (which may be farmer, manufacturer, distributor, services provider, or advisor).
  • Develop new relationships with farmers, growers, or other key businesses which will result in a wider area of influence, advice, and support.

Optional

  • Agronomy and precision farming adviser duties.
  • Nutrition and fertiliser adviser duties.

Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.

 

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The Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technology, Holbeach, Spalding PE12 7LD

T: 01406 493000
E: ncfm@lincoln.ac.uk

List of Centre Staff