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Let's Go Organic

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.

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Find your region below to learn more about mentorship, events, and resources.

Join Our Mentorship Program

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.

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Dan Paulsen (NRCS) and Roger, soy beans, Roger, Lansink Organic Farms, Odebolt, IA

For Mentees

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.

Apply Now
Eric, Nelson Organics, Pendleton, OR

For Mentors

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!

Apply Now

Upcoming Events

northeast-mid-atlantic
Dec09-142024

VMSMA and UVM Extension Maple Conference

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Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association/UVM Extension

In-Person

The 2024 Vermont Maple Conference, a collaboration between the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA) and UVM Extension, offers an exciting and informative event for sugar makers of all sizes. The conference kicks off with an in-person Quality School on December 9th in Berlin, Vermont, led by Mark Isselhardt and Jason Lilley. This is followed by three days of online sessions, December 10-13, covering topics from forestry and food safety to climate resiliency. The week concludes on December 14th with an in-person day at Vermont State University, featuring networking opportunities, vendor exhibits, expert talks, and a unique one-on-one “maple confidential” session with Flavor Expert Henry Marckres. All sessions will be recorded and made available post-conference.

southeast
Dec12-132024

Specialty Crops Conference

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Mississippi State University, Co-Host: Farm Bureau

Lake Terrace Convention Center, Hattiesburg, MS

In-Person

Join Mississippi State University Extension for a two-day event focused on the business and production aspects of specialty crops!

Day 1 will cover essential topics such as financial planning and credit access, marketing strategies, social media advertising, market channel selection, food safety compliance, and labor management, including the H2-A guest worker program.

Day 2 will delve into organic agriculture, fruit and vegetable crop production, and the cultivation of cut flowers and ornamental horticulture.

This conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from fellow producers, share experiences, and build valuable networks. Best of all, registration is free, and meals are included.

*** Deadline to register: Monday, December 2nd. Register here.

Day 1: Thursday, December 12th
10:00 – 4:30pm

– Navigating market outlets opportunities and key marketing considerations
– Deciphering regulatory, labeling, and food safety requirements to sell in new markets
– Understanding programs and services offered by state agencies
– Navigating loans, credit readiness, and loan programs
– LUNCH
– Strategic marketing for farm and food businesses
– Harnessing online tools for social media marketing for farmers and food businesses
– H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program

Day 2: Friday, December 13th
7:30am – 4:00pm

– Continental Breakfast
– Keynote Address: Specialty Crops and Production Options: What is Organic Certification and is it Right for my Farm
– Fruit Crops Session
– LUNCH
– Vegetable Crop Production
– Cut Flowers and Ornamental Horticulture

northeast-mid-atlantic
Dec132024

Farmer Networking- Regional Food System Summit After-Gathering

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Foodshed Alliance, NOFA-NJ

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (EST) | Rutgers University-Douglas Student Center; Newark, NJ

In-Person

Participate in strengthening farmer peer support networks. Learn about Organic Farming Mentorship, Food Hub Sales Opportunities with UAC, 3 r’s (Representation, Respect, Resources), & Next Gen Farmer Program

Current Farmers or anyone planning to start a Farm Business in NJ are welcome to join us for this networking event. The content will be geared towards farmers, with a focus on organic farming.
Light refreshments and snacks may be provided.
 
**MORE DETAILS TO COME**
EMAIL TESSM@FOODSHEDALLIANCE.ORG with any questions!

 

west-southwest
Dec132024

Women in AG Conference

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

9:00 am - 4:00 am | Houston, TX

Conference is to relay the importance of women in agriculture. This conference explores opportunities for women in agriculture that they may not have been aware of.

northwest
Dec132024

Organic Transition at Durbin Creek Ranches

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Powell-Palm Ag Services

9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Worland, WY

This event will focus on opportunities to participate in NRCS 823 program, mentorship opportunities through TOPP, and presentations on transition to organic.

News

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NE TOPP Core Partners Attend MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair

October 04, 2024
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NW TOPP Program Mentor and Mentee

NW TOPP Stories

October 03, 2024
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Why Technical Note 12 Is Such a Big Deal

September 27, 2024
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Farmer-Led Trials Program

September 02, 2024
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New Toolkit Highlights How Organic Practices Lead the Way in Regenerative Agriculture

September 02, 2024
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OFRF Awarded USDA NRCS Cooperative Agreement

September 02, 2024
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National TOPP Meetings

September 02, 2024
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SE TOPP July 2024 News

August 22, 2024
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KOLO 8 News Feature – “UNR launches program to increase the number of organic farmers”

July 09, 2024
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Veteran Farmers of NJ Hosts Inaugural Veteran Farmer Rally Day at Fairgrown Farm

July 08, 2024
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Marketing Foraged Weeds on Organic Farms

July 08, 2024
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FH Organic Certification 2024 – 4

Vermont’s Food Hubs Achieve Organic Certification

June 05, 2024
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Hānai’Ai Quarterly Newsletter

May 09, 2024
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Quarterly Newsletter

May 08, 2024
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2023 TOPP WSW Region Public Report

May 01, 2024
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Presentation materials on organic basics

May 01, 2024
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SE TOPP News – Year 1 in Review

April 15, 2024
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Transition to Organic Partnership Program Releases Workforce Development Request for Proposal

April 03, 2024
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Success Story: MOA

March 19, 2024
Read More
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Success Story: Meeting of the Minds

March 19, 2024
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Q&A: Roz Lehman at Iowa Organic Association

March 19, 2024
Read More
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Q&A: Dr. Kathleen Delate at Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program

March 19, 2024
Read More
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Texas TOPP Newsletter February 2024

February 05, 2024
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AlaskaCornucopia

Alaska Food Policy Council Annual Conference

January 08, 2024
Read More
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Midwest TOPP Newsletter November 2023

November 30, 2023
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Organic Workforce Development

November 30, 2023
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Year In Review

November 30, 2023
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Transition to Organic Partnership Program Releases National TOPP Website

October 04, 2023
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Texas TOPP News October 2023

October 03, 2023
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Midwest TOPP Newsletter September 2023

September 20, 2023
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GROWING ORGANIC COMMUNITY

September 20, 2023
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INCLUDING NRCS IN YOUR TOPP PROJECTS

September 20, 2023
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Meet TOPP

September 20, 2023
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Transitioning to Organic Highlighted at Iowa Summer Field Days

September 20, 2023
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USDA Seeks Input on Organic Initiative and Market Development Grants

August 08, 2023
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Organic-Focused Education Paves the Way to Technical Skills

June 29, 2023
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USDA to Invest up to $300 million in New Organic Transition Initiative

August 22, 2022
Read More
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