Let’s Grow American Agriculture
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources.
Two Years of Progress: How TOPP is Growing Organic from the Ground Up
Since its launch in 2022, the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) has been strengthening organic farming communities. This report highlights the first two years of TOPP, showcasing real stories, key partnerships, and insights on how the program supports producers transitioning to organic, boosts local economies, and expands market opportunities.
We are six regions working together nationwide towards a common goal:
to grow the network of organic producers.
With TOPP, producers transitioning to organic will find support through the transition and certification process. Mentorship, workshops, webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production, the certification process, market opportunities, and more.
Find your region below to learn more about mentorship, events, and resources.
Join Our Mentorship Program
The TOPP mentorship program builds connections between experienced organic producers and producers transitioning to organic, supports the transition process, and creates a stronger network of organic producers across the United States.
For Mentees
Transitioning producers gain support, guidance, and development through mentorship.
As a transitioning producer you will receive free mentorship from an experienced organic producer. Mentors and transitioning producers will work together to set goals for the mentorship year and will form a strong network of organic producers across the region.
For Mentors
Mentors play a crucial role in helping new organic producers succeed while growing the organic movement.
As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to guide and support producers who are transitioning to organic, providing them with valuable insights, practical advice, and industry best practices. Mentorship training, time, and travel are paid. All crop and livestock producers are welcome to apply!
Upcoming Events
Farmshare Austin
Cedar Creek, TX
Farmer Starter is a five month entry level immersive farmer training program on a working, certified organic, diversified vegetable farm. Combining hands-on field practice with classroom learning and field trips to local farms, Farmer Starter is designed to provide aspiring farmers with the essential skills and training needed to manage a sustainable farming business.
Vermont Maple Sugar Markers Association
Hybrid Event: Online and In-person: Randolph, VT
Vermont Maple Conference Week is a partnership between VMSMA and UVM Extension with something for any size or type of maple producer as well as a variety of stakeholders involved in the industry. We kick off the week with a full day Quality School geared toward the best use of all tools needed to ensure syrup meets state standards, with all of the science behind it. We host 3 days of online live sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, covering a variety of topics on sugarbush management, operational efficiency, quality, funding and offering time for peer-to-peer conversations. Friday we’ve added a new day of tours – we’ll take you to operations in 4 different counties that showcase multi-generational operations, organic and food safety certifications, bird friendly, agritourism and value added product mixes. And then Saturday, we close out the week with our full day at VSU-Randolph with 16 breakout sessions, a vendor tradeshow, our Annual Awards and much more! It’s the best week of the year to get you ready for the 2026 season!
Georgia Organic Peanut Association
10:00 am - 1:00 pm (ET) | Koinonia Farm 324 GA-49 Americus, GA 31719
The Georgia Organic Peanut Association (GOPA) will host a field day on Certified Organic pecan production and handling at historic Koinonia Farm in Sumter County, Georgia.
Representatives from GOPA will be in attendance to talk about Certified Organic peanuts and progress toward developing a Certified Organic supply chain for peanuts in Georgia. Anyone interested in organic production and organic processing is invited to this free event.
Sprout NOLA
11:00 am - 2:00 pm (CST) | Shreveport, LA
Join Sprout NOLA at Shreveport Green for the next Louisiana CRAFT On-Farm Event!
The Shreveport Green Urban Farm is a living classroom located adjacent to downtown Shreveport, designed to show how urban agriculture can feed and strengthen communities. Spend time exploring the vertical hydroponic system, fruit trees orchard, pollinator garden areas, and water catchment systems, which together demonstrates practical, sustainable solutions that promote food security, wellness, and environmental stewardship. The farm grows a wide variety of crops, hosts volunteer and educational programs, and operates weekly community and mobile markets that increase access to fresh, affordable produce.
Attendees will also be able to learn about the TOPP program and organic resources for farming.
Rodale
Online
To help foster community building and provide
technical assistance to farmers Rodale Institute
Consulting Services is hosting a virtual “coffee hour”.
Discussion topics will be focused on organic farming.
Who should sign up? Prospective, transitioning, or
certified organic grain farmers from North Dakota
and South Dakota.
What can participants expect? Rodale Midwest
manager Scott Ausborn and organic consultant Ben
Lehman will facilitate the meetings. Participants will
be encouraged to share any questions, comments or
concerns relevant to organic farming.
News
FY24 In-Person TOPP Events Heatmap
View TOPP’s 2024 in-person event locations and the educational programs that supported organic and transitioning farmers nationwide.
This Story Map was created by:
Find Out More
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change.
