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Assess and manage risks to freshwater from horticultural production micro-credential

As a sector, we have a responsibility to ensure our practices safeguard rivers, lakes, and streams. Now, there’s an opportunity for growers, staff, horticulture advisors and council staff to enhance knowledge and demonstrate commitment to freshwater management.

Horticulture New Zealand in partnership with Primary ITO and Fruition Horticulture, are bringing to the sector a new learning opportunity – a micro-credential Assess and manage risks to freshwater from horticultural production, that looks at the concerns and practices required to reduce environmental risks from horticultural operations.

This new programme will provide learners with practical knowledge of identifying and mitigating freshwater risks from horticulture operations.

Completing this 100-hour (approx.) programme will equip learners with the skills to:

  • Assess potential risks to freshwater values and ecosystem health from horticultural activities
  • Identify on-farm biophysical and management factors
  • Recommend the best practices to manage these risks effectively.

Completion of this programme by learners demonstrates that they understand and actively manage freshwater risks.

There are limited funded places available for the first intake of learners in 2025.

The micro-credential can be completed through either one of our partner providers – Primary ITO or Fruition Horticulture. Find out more about their programme offerings below.

Education providers

Primary ITO is offering the Assess and manage risks to freshwater from horticultural production micro-credential programme to all learners employed in the sector.

The programme takes three months to complete and does not have any off-job training days - all training is completed on the job.

Find out more about Primary ITO's micro-credential programme and apply here.

 

 

Fruition is offering the micro-credential programme as a mix of in-person, online classroom and self-directed learning.

Programme delivery will take place over a four-week period with participants having three months to submit assessments.

Find out more about Fruition Horticulture's micro-credential programme including regions and dates the programme is being offered here and apply here.

If you are a participant that is applying to complete the Assess and manage risks to freshwater from horticultural production micro-credential, the education provider that you sign up with (Primary ITO or Fruition Horticulture) will provide you with any assessment resources required.

 

The following Codes of Practice will be required and useful when completing assessments:

If you are an education provider that is interested in delivering the Assess and manage risks to freshwater from horticultural production micro-credential programme, please get in touch with us at education@hortnz.co.nz to request a copy of our resource pack that includes:

  • Assessment
  • Assessor guide
  • Learner guide

 

 

Acknowledgement

Financial support has been received from the Essential Freshwater Fund, which is administered by the Ministry for the Environment to develop the micro-credential programme.