Let's Go Organic
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
Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CST) | Online or Curtiss Hall in Ames, Room 13
The Iowa State University Organic Agriculture program offers a 16 week course, ” Organic Agriculture Theory and Practice Course,” to provide an understanding of the historical origins and ecological theories behind the practices related to organic agriculture.
This course offers an interdisciplinary examination of organic crop and livestock production and socio-economic processes and policies in organic agriculture from researcher and producer perspectives.
Marbleseed
Virtual
Transitioning to organic presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. This webinar, Navigating the Organic Transition: Key Decisions for Farmers, will guide producers through critical considerations for a successful transition process, including:
Understanding and prioritizing equipment purchases
Navigating the selection of certified organic seeds, fertilizers, and pest inputs to maintain compliance and maximize yield
Implementing best practices for record keeping and documentation to meet organic certification requirements and improve farm management
Florida Organic Growers
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (EST)
Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free “organic office hours”!
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you’re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process.
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.
Don’t miss out – register here!
Oregon Tilth Certified Organic
12:00 am - 12:00 am (PT) | Online
Connect with a NW TOPP Organic Certification Specialist and mentorship participants to learn tips and tricks for keeping records during the busy season. Learn skills to ease your certification process and share ideas with other organic farmers! The roundtable will include:
– 15 minute presentation on recordkeeping requirements for organic certification
– Tips and tricks on how to keep records during the busy season
– Tour new recordkeeping resources
– Open discussion and Q&A time
– Opportunity to meet other farmers who are new to organic certification
Open to all producers interested in organic certification across the northwest!
Organic Association of Kentucky
9:00 am - 12:00 pm (EST) | Headwater Farm: Lexington, KY 40516
Along the headwaters of the Elkhorn Creek in Northeastern Fayette County, Headwater Farm cultivates nutrient-dense produce for community partners and supports small local agribusinesses in Lexington. On this 30-acre parcel of leased land, Lexington nonprofit, Seedleaf, provides acreage to small-scale growers, cultivates culturally significant seeds for organic markets, and offers community education on organic agriculture and agroforestry.
Join the Organic Association of Kentucky for this Field Day at Headwater Farm to learn more about Seedleaf’s community farming practices during seasonal crop transitions and the coordinated efforts of growing food and supporting local ecosystems.
Discover Seedleaf’s cooperative approach with multiple community gardeners on shared land to ensure clarity and coordination in a community space.
Experience their techniques for sowing and terminating cover crops (crimping, tarping and mowing) with multiple scales of equipment.
Tour Headwater Farm’s garden production to explore seasonal crop choices and management in the field and high tunnels, and learn more about their agroforestry practices and perennial orchards.
News
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change.
