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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.

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.

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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.

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Dan Paulsen (NRCS) and Roger, soy beans, Roger, Lansink Organic Farms, Odebolt, IA

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.

Apply Now
Eric, Nelson Organics, Pendleton, OR

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!

Apply Now

Upcoming Events

national
Oct-Dec14-01

OFRF Farmer-Led Trials Applications Open

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OFRF

Virtual

OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials program provides farmers with funding and technical assistance to investigate and learn about solutions to their most pressing production challenges. Applications for the 2025 season open October 14–December 1, 2024.

national
Oct21

National TOPP Fall Meeting

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NOC

9:00 am - 5:00 pm (PST) | Billy Frank Jr. Conference Center at the Ecotrust Building, 721 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

In-Person

NOC is leveraging our role as a convener to facilitate national Transition to Organic Partnership (TOPP) meetings twice each for relationship-building and information exchange among TOPP organizations. In April, NOC convened the third national, in-person TOPP gathering in Milwaukee, WI, in conjunction with the Spring 2024 National Organic Standards Board meeting. This gathering focused on connecting TOPP partners across the country, addressing challenges in the organic workforce, and discussing the impact of the TOPP program. Leads and representatives from all six TOPP regions, national partners, and the National Organic Program (NOP), gathered for the meeting.

northwest
Oct21

Organic Office Hours

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Online

Virtual

Get your questions answered at weekly Organic Office Hours!

Curious about what it takes to transition your operation to organic? Do you have questions about the certification process? Or are you a newly certified producer with questions on how to stay in compliance? Join us at weekly virtual office hours with organic expert Sarah Townsend of Oregon Tilth. Learn about Organic Certification, Organic System Plans (OSPs), how to get certified, and more. All questions and experience levels welcome!

Join us through Teams video meeting or simply call in.

Microsoft Teams Meeting: Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

https://oregontilth.link/organicofficehours

Or call in (audio only)

323-813-7538

Phone Conference ID: 445 762 348#

west-southwest
Oct22

Organic Office Hours

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11:00 am - 12:00 pm (PST) | Online

Virtual

Curious about what it takes to transition your operation to organic? Or a newly certified producer with questions on how to stay in compliance? Just ask Jamie! Join weekly zooms with organic expert, farmer, and inspector Jamie Collins from Serendipity Farms and learn about Organic certification, Organic System Plans, how to certify organic, and more.  All questions and experience levels welcome!

Join office hours any and every Tuesday, 11am-noon PST via zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89941176462?pwd=EGapsifPoPsOvOjCTGaOU1BruUKNdC.1
Meeting ID: 899 4117 6462
Passcode: organic

If this time does not work, email organictransitionprogram@gmail.com to schedule a consultation with Jamie.

northeast-mid-atlantic
Oct23

NOFA New Jersey – Technical Assistance Office Hour

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NOFA New Jersey

Online

Virtual

Join NOFA NJ via Zoom and receive focused support with your farm’s needs. Whatever you are working on, NOFA NJ’s Technical Assistance Coordinator will help and connect you to relevant experts in the community.

News

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NE TOPP Core Partners Attend MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair

October 04, 2024
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NW TOPP Program Mentor and Mentee

NW TOPP Stories

October 03, 2024
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Why Technical Note 12 Is Such a Big Deal

September 27, 2024
Read More
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Farmer-Led Trials Program

September 02, 2024
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New Toolkit Highlights How Organic Practices Lead the Way in Regenerative Agriculture

September 02, 2024
Read More
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OFRF Awarded USDA NRCS Cooperative Agreement

September 02, 2024
Read More
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National TOPP Meetings

September 02, 2024
Read More
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SE TOPP July 2024 News

August 22, 2024
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KOLO 8 News Feature – “UNR launches program to increase the number of organic farmers”

July 09, 2024
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Veteran Farmers of NJ Hosts Inaugural Veteran Farmer Rally Day at Fairgrown Farm

July 08, 2024
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Marketing Foraged Weeds on Organic Farms

July 08, 2024
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FH Organic Certification 2024 – 4

Vermont’s Food Hubs Achieve Organic Certification

June 05, 2024
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Hānai’Ai Quarterly Newsletter

May 09, 2024
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Quarterly Newsletter

May 08, 2024
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2023 TOPP WSW Region Public Report

May 01, 2024
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Presentation materials on organic basics

May 01, 2024
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SE TOPP News – Year 1 in Review

April 15, 2024
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Transition to Organic Partnership Program Releases Workforce Development Request for Proposal

April 03, 2024
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Success Story: MOA

March 19, 2024
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Success Story: Meeting of the Minds

March 19, 2024
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Q&A: Roz Lehman at Iowa Organic Association

March 19, 2024
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Q&A: Dr. Kathleen Delate at Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program

March 19, 2024
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Texas TOPP Newsletter February 2024

February 05, 2024
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AlaskaCornucopia

Alaska Food Policy Council Annual Conference

January 08, 2024
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Midwest TOPP Newsletter November 2023

November 30, 2023
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Organic Workforce Development

November 30, 2023
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Year In Review

November 30, 2023
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Transition to Organic Partnership Program Releases National TOPP Website

October 04, 2023
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Texas TOPP News October 2023

October 03, 2023
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Midwest TOPP Newsletter September 2023

September 20, 2023
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GROWING ORGANIC COMMUNITY

September 20, 2023
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INCLUDING NRCS IN YOUR TOPP PROJECTS

September 20, 2023
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Meet TOPP

September 20, 2023
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Transitioning to Organic Highlighted at Iowa Summer Field Days

September 20, 2023
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USDA Seeks Input on Organic Initiative and Market Development Grants

August 08, 2023
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Organic-Focused Education Paves the Way to Technical Skills

June 29, 2023
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USDA to Invest up to $300 million in New Organic Transition Initiative

August 22, 2022
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