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
Red Acre Center
Cedar City, UT
Training for our farmer training program. 4 Selected individuals that meet for weekly instruction and hands-on, including field work, CSA set up and pick up, farmers markets, and farm tours.
MA'O Organic Farms
2:00 am - 6:00 am (HAT) | Honolulu, HI
Community event to meet with other folks in the organic food movement and discuss current topics.
Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center
4:30 am - 7:00 am (PT) | Carnation, WA
We are still finalizing all the details, will update once they are all final.
Practical Farmers of Iowa
1:00 am - 3:00 am (CST) | Keota, Iowa
Levi Lyle and his family farm near Keota, Iowa. They grow both organic and conventional corn and soybeans, as well as aronia berries, tart cherries and other fruits. Levi has worked as an organic inspector and now consults on the topic of organic transition. In his community, he has been a local conservation leader. To protect his soil and sequester carbon, Levi no-tills, uses cover crops and roller-crimps the covers.
At this field day, you’ll have a chance to see a roller-crimped rye field planted with conventional soybeans. Next to the field is the certified organic tart cherry orchard where Levi will discuss his use of Johnson-Su extract. Levi will also show some of the tools he uses for organic weed control and discuss building his soil organically.
See & Discuss
- Soybeans planted into roller-crimped rye
- Growing conventional and organic crops
- Using Johnson-Su extract in an organic cherry orchard
- Tools for organic weed control
NOFA/Mass
11:00 am - 2:00 pm (EST ) | Harvard, MA
Old Frog Pond Farm has been seasonably inspired by the nettles growing on their farm: nutritious, persistent, abundant and perennial. Nettles embody the resilience that farmers can not only use as energetic inspiration, but as a spring tonic for both themselves and their farms.
Join us for discussion and lunch as we tour the farm: we’ll talk through a variety of resiliency strategies in use at Old Frog Pond, and celebrate being a part of the organic movement together.
Lunch will be served.
News
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change.
