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.
Find your region below to learn more about mentorship, events, and resources.
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.
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.
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!
Organic Regulations 101: Crops and Livestock
Vermont Organic Farmers
9:00 am - 4:30 pm (EST) | Red Schoolhouse @ Vermont State University: Randolph Center, VT
This training is for anyone interested in learning more about the organic regulations and how organic certification works. Participants gain specialized knowledge of organic regulations and certification, useful for farms interested in organic certification or practices (whether already certified or interested in transitioning), government agencies, non-profit organizations, technical service providers, or people interested in careers in organic certification.
To complete the full course, sign up for the online pre-requisite class, “Introduction to Organic Agriculture,” and at least one in-person “Organic Regulations 101” class. Participants are welcome to take just the online class, but the in-person class is only available to people who have already completed the online class.
Demystifying Organic: Networking, Workshop and Farm Tour at VSU Randolph Farm
VABF and American Farmland Trust
11:00 am - 3:00 pm (EST) | VSU Randolph Farm: 4415 River Rd, Petersburg, VA
Are you considering USDA Organic Certification but need more clarification about the requirements and process? Becoming a Certified Organic farm is a significant commitment, but it can have tremendous advantages, from increased market competitiveness and improved recordkeeping to accessing additional funding and technical assistance from service providers.
This month’s Demystifying Organic host farm is the VSU Randolph Farm! Dr. Sanjun Gu, Extension Specialist and Associate Professor of Horticulture, will tour us through VSU’s 416-acre agricultural learning center, home to a multitude of agricultural related research, demonstration and instruction activities. In addition to producing the region’s traditional row crops, the farm is utilized for research and education in areas of new and niche crops, alternative cropping methods, horticultural crops, nutrient management, water quality, animal production, and aquaculture production.
Join us to demystify the organic certification process and hear about the latest resources, programs and tools. Learn about “what it takes to transition to certified organic” with Meredith Morgan, of Quality Certification Services. American Farmland Trust with guide the networking session, where you can speak with organic farmers about your questions regarding the journey through transition to organic production.
Organic Certification Webinar
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm (PT) | Online
Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program, Oregon Tilth, and EMSWCD present this FREE webinar to provide you with information about organic certification, regulations and compliance, and the benefits of becoming certified. Gain practical insights into overcoming certification challenges and leveraging the economic and environmental advantages.
Organic Crop Management Series
Organic Growers School
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (EST) | Zoom
Join Organic Growers School for Organic Crop Management, a FREE webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for the whole farm. Participants will also gain insight into considerations for Organic Certification. Each session will center around direct experience in the field from organic growers of different scales.
Featured Topics and Speakers:
9/24 – Organic Soil Management w/ De’Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 – Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram & Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register here.
Tunnel Talk: Low Tunnels in Organic Production
MOFGA, NRCS
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm (EST) | Goranson Farm: Dresden, ME
Growers are increasingly interested in cultural practices that improve plant health, extend the growing season, and increase the resilience of their farm’s operation. High tunnels are now widely used on mixed vegetable farms in Maine, and their popularity is only growing. However, a high tunnel is a major investment, and may not be the appropriate choice for every situation. Low tunnels can be an affordable and nimble option for season extension and can protect vulnerable crops from pest damage. Come learn from farmers experienced in the many applications of low tunnels on a mixed vegetable farm and learn about mentorship opportunities for producers transitioning to organic offered through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
Regional Partners
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