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.
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 our weekly online gathering for an open discussion and Q&A session! We’ll cover the basics of organic production, help you navigate the regulations, and explore what organic really means—and what it doesn’t.
Whether you’re just starting out or already using organic practices, this is a space to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with others on the journey. Everyone is welcome
Utah State University Student Organic Farm
10:00 am - 3:00 pm (MT) | Logan, UT
This event occurs on the first week of school at USU and aims to familiarize and engage students with the available resources and communities at USU. We will have a booth with interactive tabling games to increase engagement and interest towards joining the usu student organic farm club.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
8:00 am - 3:00 pm | Dalhart, TX
Lots of exhibits, speakers, tours, and sponsors.
Michigan TOPP
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (EST) | Virtual
Join Michigan’s TOPP Technicians Alex, Kim and Sam for monthly drop-in office hours to chat all things organic farming. Some of the topics we may cover include:
- organic production techniques–cultivation, crop rotation, variety selection, integrated pest management, etc
input sourcing–where to source NOP-approved inputs - cost-share opportunities–certification cost share, NRCS EQIP organic practices
- record-keeping options–templates, software, spreadsheets, etc.
marketing–how to identify and connect with organic markets - choosing an organic certifier
understanding the certification process
and more!
This will be a recurring, monthly 1-hour Zoom session open to drop-in. No registration necessary. Sessions will be held the 1st Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm. We hope this can help support you on your organic journey, and even foster cross-pollination among organic farmers for skill-sharing.
This session is open to ALL organic, transitioning or curious producers, not just TOPP participants.ZOOM Link: https://msu.zoom.us/j/94407160761
Passcode:TOPP
DON’T FORGET – the MI TOPP website has a wealth of resources and information for organic and transitioning farmers, including recordings of all our past webinar series.
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.
