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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
Oct14-17

Organic Regulations 101: Crops and Livestock

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Vermont Organic Farmers

9:00 am - 4:30 pm (EST) | Red Schoolhouse @ Vermont State University: Randolph Center, VT

In-Person

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.

northeast-mid-atlantic
Oct15

Demystifying Organic: Networking, Workshop and Farm Tour at VSU Randolph Farm

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VABF and American Farmland Trust

11:00 am - 3:00 pm (EST) | VSU Randolph Farm: 4415 River Rd, Petersburg, VA

In-Person

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.

northwest
Oct15

Organic Certification Webinar

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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm (PT) | Online

Virtual

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.

southeast
Oct15

Organic Crop Management Series

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Organic Growers School

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (EST) | Zoom

Virtual

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.

northeast-mid-atlantic
Oct16

Tunnel Talk: Low Tunnels in Organic Production

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MOFGA, NRCS

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm (EST) | Goranson Farm: Dresden, ME

In-Person

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).

News

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

October 04, 2024
NW TOPP Program Mentor and Mentee

NW TOPP Stories

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

September 27, 2024
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SE TOPP July 2024 News

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

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

July 08, 2024
Read More
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Marketing Foraged Weeds on Organic Farms

July 08, 2024
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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
Download
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Success Story: MOA

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

March 19, 2024

Texas TOPP Newsletter February 2024

February 05, 2024
Download
AlaskaCornucopia

Alaska Food Policy Council Annual Conference

January 08, 2024

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
Read More
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Organic-Focused Education Paves the Way to Technical Skills

June 29, 2023
Read More
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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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