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
Farmshare Austin
Cedar Creek, TX
Farmer Starter is a five month entry level immersive farmer training program on a working, certified organic, diversified vegetable farm designed to provide aspiring farmers with the essential skills and training needed to manage a sustainable farming business.
Rodale Institute
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (EST) | Columbia, SC
Join us for an opportunity to connect, learn, and foster collaborations within the specialty crop community during the South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition Conference from October 1–3, 2026 in Columbia, SC. This opening evening at Gardener’s Outpost will include a panel discussion on growing organic specialty crops and an Organic buyer-seller mixer. This discussion will provide attendees with firsthand insights into organic transition, market needs, and building successful relationships. With local food, we connect, ask questions, and strengthen field-to-market pathways.
This gathering is designed to foster connections between those passionate about sourcing and supplying local, sustainable, and organic food. We hope to see you there!
OCIA
10:00 am - 11:00 am (Central) | Online
Thinking about getting certified organic but not sure where to start?
Join our Organic Certification 101 webinar and learn the fundamentals of the organic certification process, including requirements, timelines, and practical next steps.
Perfect for farmers, processors, and businesses exploring organic certification for the first time.
You’ll learn:
✅ Key steps in the certification process
✅ Required plans and records
✅ Common pitfalls to avoid
✅ How to move forward with confidence
Join the webinar here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83899713752?pwd=7vy7VIaaKyy6XMWJ6a8Fg99orOFuzL.1
Meeting ID: 838 9971 3752
Passcode: 930716
Michigan TOPP
Bellaire, Michigan
Farm tours are a chance to head to farms throughout the area for hands-on learning from innovative farmers. There will also be opportunities for everyone to learn from the best in a more classic conference format, with presentations, discussions, and more. You can also join the interest group roundtable discussions, where you can connect with others who share your passions and experiences in farming.
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.
