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
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (PT) | Online
Got Organic Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Join the CCOF Foundation online every Tuesday for a casual, interactive Q&A session all about organic. Whether you’re curious about organic certification, production, compliance, or need help with record keeping and paperwork, this space is for you!
Jamie Collins – organic farmer, inspector, and expert from Serendipity Farms – hosts these weekly sessions bringing, a hands-on producer perspective combined with deep regulatory know-how.
When & Where
🗓️Every Tuesday
🕐11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)
💻Via Zoom
All questions and experience levels welcome!
Learn more and join at https://ccof.org/events/
Contact organictransitionprogram@gmail.com for more info.
Rodale Institute
9:00 am - 6:00 pm (CST) | Alma, AR
Join us for an organic field day at the University of Arkansas Vegetable Research Station from 9:00-3:00 pm followed by an Arkansas Grown Organic Buyer/Seller Mixer at 4:30 pm. This event brings together farmers, buyers, and manufacturers from across the state to engage in meaningful discussions about strengthening Arkansas-grown organic products and expanding opportunities within our local and regional markets. Through open dialogue, field insights, and relationship-building, we’llexplore how to better support one another across the supply chain — from seed to shelf.
Whether you’re growing, sourcing, distributing, or developing Arkansas organic products, this Buyer Tour and Mixer is designed to spark new partnerships, share innovative ideas, and shape the next chapter of agriculture in our state.
Come network at our Mixer at 4:30 PM at Fort Smith Brewing Company in Fort Smith.
This event is for organic farmers, those transitioning, and those who are curious about organic production, and organic buyers. Come ready to connect, contribute, and collaborate — the future of Arkansas agriculture starts here.
NOFA-NH
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (EST) | Online
Interested in Organic Farming?
Are you curious about what it takes to grow under organic regulations? Want to better understand the organic standards or how your current practices might align?
Join us every Wednesday at 1PM for an open discussion and Q&A session! We’ll answer your questions first, then we can cover the basics of organic production, help you navigate the regulations, and explore what organic really means—and what it doesn’t. Bring
questions.
Whether you’re just starting out or already using organic practices, want to know about the organic food you eat, this is a space to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with others on the journey. Register at
nofanh.org/TOPP Everyone is welcome!
Missouri Organic Association
Virtual
Every week you can connect with MOA staff, Dr. Swati Shrestha, and farmers across the state to discuss the topics that matter most to you.
Bring your questions and we will help connect you with the resources that truly help you succeed.
The virtual door is open – no need to stay the whole time or even to show up on time. Just join us when you can between noon and 2pm every Wednesday.
Georgia Organics
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST)) | ZOOM
Join, SE TOPP Partner, RAFI on April 9th at 6pm ET for a webinar featuring, an organic farmer. Are you interested in becoming a certified organic farmer but don’t know if it’s worth it?
Holly Whitesides of Against the Grain Farm. With over 14 years of experience as an organic farmer, Holly will be sharing her successes, challenges, and overall journey to becoming organic certified and maintaining the certification.
Holly Whitesides is the co-owner of Against the Grain Farm located in the mountains of Zionville, NC where she farms alongside her husband, Andy Bryant. Holly and Andy purchased the land that is now Against the Grain in 2012 and have been there ever since. The 35-acre farm certified organic and biodynamic farm grows a wide variety of vegetables and raises livestock.
This event is made possible with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
Learn more and register at the link below.
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.
