ANNEX L – COMPETENCY STANDARDS (CS) PER CORE UNIT – NC II

Agarwood Farming NC II – Core Units

Core Unit 1: Establish and Maintain Agarwood Plantation

Unit Descriptor: Establish new plantations and maintain existing ones including irrigation, mulching, pruning, and soil fertility management.
Performance Criteria:

1. Prepare plantation site according to agronomic guidelines.
2. Plant seedlings using correct spacing and techniques.
3. Perform regular maintenance: irrigation, weeding, mulching, pruning.
4. Monitor soil fertility and apply amendments safely.
5. Maintain farm safety and environmental standards.
   Range of Variables: Planting tools, irrigation systems, fertilizers, pruning equipment.
   Evidence Guide: Observation, farm logbook, practical demonstration.

Core Unit 2: Conduct Resin Induction / Inoculation

Unit Descriptor: Carry out resin induction procedures following technical protocols.
Performance Criteria:

1. Identify appropriate trees for inoculation.
2. Prepare inoculant materials and equipment correctly.
3. Apply inoculation techniques safely and accurately.
4. Monitor treated trees and document progress.
5. Follow biosecurity, safety, and environmental protocols.
   Range of Variables: Inoculant strains, tools, PPE, treated trees.
   Evidence Guide: Observation, inoculation logbook, practical demonstration.

Core Unit 3: Perform Harvesting Operations

Unit Descriptor: Conduct harvesting of resin-bearing trees safely and efficiently.
Performance Criteria:

1. Identify harvest-ready trees correctly.
2. Use cutting tools safely and appropriately.
3. Collect, sort, and temporarily store agarwood material.
4. Minimize damage to tree and environment.
5. Record harvesting operations accurately.
   Range of Variables: Cutting tools, storage containers, protective equipment.
   Evidence Guide: Observation, checklist, harvest record verification.

Core Unit 4: Conduct Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

Unit Descriptor: Perform post-harvest processing including cleaning, drying, grading, and storage.
Performance Criteria:

1. Clean harvested material according to quality standards.
2. Apply proper drying techniques to prevent mold and contamination.
3. Grade agarwood using standardized categories.
4. Store harvested products safely.
5. Maintain accurate post-harvest records.
   Range of Variables: Drying racks, storage containers, grading tools.
   Evidence Guide: Observation, practical demonstration, record verification.

Core Unit 5: Apply Quality Control, Grading, and Documentation

Unit Descriptor: Ensure harvested and processed agarwood meets quality, traceability, and ethical standards.
Performance Criteria:

1. Inspect harvested material for quality defects.
2. Grade according to market or industry standards.
3. Record and document all quality and grading information.
4. Follow ethical sourcing and legal compliance.
5. Report findings to supervisors.
   Range of Variables: Grading charts, quality checklists, record forms.
   Evidence Guide: Observation, portfolio review, documentation assessment.

Core Unit 6: Ensure Ethical Trade Compliance

Unit Descriptor: Comply with CITES, DENR, DA regulations, and ethical sourcing practices.
Performance Criteria:

1. Understand legal requirements and permits.
2. Apply traceability procedures.
3. Practice ethical harvesting and trade.
4. Maintain accurate documentation for audits.
5. Identify and report non-compliance issues.
   Range of Variables: Compliance documents, farm records, traceability logs.
   Evidence Guide: Observation, checklist, document verification.

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