Let’s Grow Organic Agriculture
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program, supports farms and producers in transitioning from conventional to organic with mentorship and organic farming 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 conventional farmers and producers transitioning to organic, boosts local economies, and expands market opportunities.
Six nationwide regions working together towards a common goal: to grow the network of organic farmers producers.
With TOPP, farmers and producers interested in or transitioning from conventional to organic will find support through the transition and organic certification process.
Mentorship, organic workshops and webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events offer opportunities to learn about organic farming principles, the benefits of organic production, the organic certification process, market opportunities, and more.
Find your region below to learn more about organic mentorship programs, events, and resources.
Join Our Organic Mentorship Program
The TOPP mentorship program connects you with experienced organic producers to help guide you during your transition to organic from conventional methods.
This proven program supports the transition process and creates a stronger network of organic producers across the United States.
For Mentees - Producers Transitioning To Organic
Transitioning producers gain support, guidance, and development through mentorship.
As a part of the program, conventional farms and producers changing to organic will receive free mentorship from an experienced organic producer. Mentors and transitioning producers will work together to set goals for the mentorship year, learn more about organic resources, opportunities and the certification process, and more.
For Mentors - Help Increase Organic Practices In The U.S.
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 farms and producers who are transitioning to organic, providing them with valuable insights, practical advice, and organic industry best practices.
All organic crop and organic livestock producers are welcome to apply! Mentorship training, time, and travel are paid.
Upcoming Events
NOFA-NY
10:00 am - 2:00 pm (EST ) | Canton, NY
Healthy soil is the foundation of successful organic growing. Join us for a workshop on Soil Building Methods for Organic Growers, where we’ll explore practical ways to improve soil health and fertility naturally. Topics will include soil testing, approved organic amendments, mulching, compost and cover crops. Whether you’re a market grower, homesteader, or backyard gardener, you’ll leave with tools and strategies to build healthier, more productive soil.
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.
University of Nevada (Reno)
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (PT) | Online
Zoom-linked IPM workshop featuring Rob Holley of GONV/Holley Family Farms, Matt Catalano of Desert Farming Initiative, and Dr. Matt Grieshop of The Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The program will feature introductions and summary statements of IPM strategies, then up to 2 hours of Q/A and discussion within participants’ individual context. 31+ are registered for the event, including Zoom participants are future listeners on Spotify/Substack.
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!
NOFA/Mass
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (EST ) | Online
Join NOFA/Mass for our monthly soil health calls, where we explore the on-farm processes and practices that shape resilient, thriving soils. Our facilitators will guide participants through practical strategies that influence soil integrity in organic systems. Each session offers space to ask questions, discuss specific methodologies, and learn directly from peers about what’s working on their farms.
Topics range from organic amendments, cover cropping systems, reduced tillage and compaction mitigation strategies, nutrient cycling, soil biology and microbial life, organic systems plans, and other stewardship practices designed to strengthen the long-term health and productivity of your farm
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
Questions? Contact Us
Connect with a TOPP partner near you, and get the help and resources you need in your transition to organic.
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change shown through our Transition to Organic Partnership Program.
