Let’s Grow American Agriculture
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.
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 producers transitioning to organic, boosts local economies, and expands market opportunities.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Upcoming Events
Arrowleaf Consulting
TBD, ID
Listening sessions will be held to collect additional data for the needs assessment to complement and expand what we learned through the survey related to Idaho farmers’ current organic agriculture interests and support needs.
UC Organic Agriculture Institute
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (PT) | Online
Time: 12:00 – 1:15 PM (presentation + Q&A), Optional Office Hours: 1:15 – 2:00 PM
Hosted by: UC Organic Agriculture Institute (OAI), Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) and UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE)
Registration: Required, register here to get the zoom link. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions of the webinar, which runs from January 14-March 18, 2026, to gain the full benefit of the program, but is not required. See below for the full schedule.
Cost: Thanks to our funders this series is offered at no cost
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
Questions?: Contact Katharina Ullmann (kullmann@ucanr.edu) Office: 530-786-0224 or Grace Jackson (grace@caff.org)
Missouri Organic Association
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (CST ) | Virtual
Every week you can connect with MOA staff, Dr. Swati Shrestha, and farmers across the state to discuss the topics that matter most to you.
Bring your questions and we will help connect you with the resources that truly help you succeed.
The virtual door is open – no need to stay the whole time or even to show up on time. Just join us when you can between noon and 2pm every Wednesday.
Sprout NOLA
11:00 am - 1:00 pm (Central Standard Time (CST)) | Breaux Bridge, LA
Join, SE TOPP Partner at Raccoon Oak Farm in Breaux Bridge, LA on March 9th, 11am-1pm, to learn outdoor shiitake cultivation with Rotglow Farm. We’ll be getting into the ecology, life cycle, and cultural dimensions of the shiitake mushroom followed by hands-on learning of how to inoculate logs, best practices and troubleshooting. No experience necessary,all are welcome! Event is free, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided.
San Mateo RCD
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm (PT) | Online
Are you interested in transitioning to organic?
Join the San Mateo RCD on March 10th 5:30-6:30 pm PT for a virtual workshop. We will discuss certification requirements, costs, and grants that can support transition efforts. Whether you’re new to practicing organic or have been practicing organic without certification, this event is open to all interested producers.
Topics we will cover:
* Steps of organic certification
* Regulations
* Choosing a certifier
* OSP steps
* Helpful resources
* Financial resources
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
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change.
