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
Georgia Organics, Rodale Institute, Global Growers Network, Oxford College Farm, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, and Georgia Organic Peanut Association (GOPA)
9:30 am - 2:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST))
The SE TOPP Georgia Partners are excited to announce a diverse line-up of educational farmer field days in 2026. Join us across the state to explore different production practices in our “Consider This…” series.
April 16, 2026 | “Consider Organic Co-Farming Production” at Global Growers Network Rockdale Organic Co-Farm (North GA)
April 24, 2026 | “Consider Organic Medicinal Herbs” at Stellar Roots Herb Farm (Northeast GA)
May 21, 2026 | “Consider Farmer Health and Closed Loop Farming Systems” at Comfort Farms (Middle GA)
June 29, 2026 | “Consider Organic Certification on a Diversified Vegetable Farm” at Oxford College Organic Farm (North GA)
July 10, 2026 | “Consider Organic Peanuts” at Chad Heard Farms (Southwest GA)
July 24, 2026 | “Consider Pasture to Plate on an Intergenerational Family Farm” at Berry Family Farm (Southeast GA)
Learn more and register at the link below.
CCOF LLC
12:00 am - 12:00 am (PT) | Online
A comprehensive online training course designed to train new Organic Grower Inspectors. This course is ideal for qualified applicants seeking to enter the field of organic inspection or strengthen their knowledge of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations.
CCOF’s Organic Inspector training includes classroom-style online lectures, pre-course work, and weekly assignments. Courses are designed to equip participants with the regulatory knowledge, technical skills, and professional understanding needed to begin a career as an Organic Inspector.
Application deadline: April 15, 2026
Organic Association of Kentucky
9:00 am - 12:00 pm (EST) | Frankfort, Kentucky
Pollinator habitat restoration, honeybee conservation and sustainable weed management are essential tools for building thriving ecosystems and successful farm operations. Join OAK at the Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm for a hands-on farm tour to:
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Explore practical strategies to support pollinators and manage weeds in organic cut flower production, including a walk through the Farm’s flower plots and a demonstration of weed management practices.
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Learn how to integrate honeybees into the landscape, comparing various hive materials and using the nuances of hive spacing and positioning for maximum colony health.
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Investigate the “why” and “how” of establishing native pollinator habitats by turning underutilized corners of a farm or yard into thriving biodiversity hubs that support crops year-round.
Registration for this collaborative Field Day is required, $5 for OAK Members; $10 for non-Members.
The Rodale Institute, Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program, Iowa Organic Association
8:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST) | Marion, Iowa
The Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center’s annual field day includes the opportunity to interact one-on-one with staff and team of Organic Consultants and learn about our research and demonstration projects focused on organic agriculture and tailored for farmers in the Midwest.
This event is ideal for researchers, students, educators and all farmers, whether you are interested in learning more about organic farming, have an interest in consulting services to transition to organic, or are currently a Midwest organic farmer.
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Food trucks will be available to purchase lunch during the event.
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.
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.
