However, labs must participate in the NFTA proficiency testing certification program to be eligible for California Recognition. There is no fee to apply for California Recognition in 2000. However, donations are welcome. The results from the four alfalfa hay samples used by the NFTA Proficiency test in 1999 will be used to determine CA Recognition for 2000. The NFTA data and the CHTC data will be used together to determine lab performance using these criteria.
Recognition is specific to technique and commodity.
This is a much stricter threshold than is required by the NFTA for all samples, but is closer to the expectations of the California marketplace for alfalfa hay. Dr. DePeters has been designated by the CHTC as the representative of the Consortium for determining CA Recognition. Your report will be held in confidence, and neither the contents of your report nor the fact of participation will be revealed to any other party. Only those labs meeting or exceeding the California criteria will be acknowledged to have participated in the program. Thus there is no risk in applying for Recognition, even if you don't pass.