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
Red Acre Center
UT
Spring Meetups are farm tours or similar activities. At each meeting those who attend get introduced to the center and the resources that it has to offer.
Georgia Organics, Rodale Institute, Global Growers Network, Oxford College Farm, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, and Georgia Organic Peanut Association (GOPA)
9:30 am - 2:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST))
The SE TOPP Georgia Partners are excited to announce a diverse line-up of educational farmer field days in 2026. Join us across the state to explore different production practices in our “Consider This…” series.
April 16, 2026 | “Consider Organic Co-Farming Production” at Global Growers Network Rockdale Organic Co-Farm (North GA)
April 24, 2026 | “Consider Organic Medicinal Herbs” at Stellar Roots Herb Farm (Northeast GA)
May 21, 2026 | “Consider Farmer Health and Closed Loop Farming Systems” at Comfort Farms (Middle GA)
June 29, 2026 | “Consider Organic Certification on a Diversified Vegetable Farm” at Oxford College Organic Farm (North GA)
July 10, 2026 | “Consider Organic Peanuts” at Chad Heard Farms (Southwest GA)
July 24, 2026 | “Consider Pasture to Plate on an Intergenerational Family Farm” at Berry Family Farm (Southeast GA)
Learn more and register at the link below.
Michigan TOPP
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Join ACA at NSF HQ in Ann Arbor, MI for a half-day risk-based certification training—details below.
The Michigan TOPP will be leading a session titled, “Voices from the Field: Lessons Learned from TOPP and Their Applications in Certification”. Organic farmers and certifiers will be invited to speak on their experiences with organic certification and inspections, as part of this session.
9-10:30am – Using Risk Assessment to Improve Inspection and Certification Review Part I – Marni Karlin and Jackie DeMinter
10:45-11:45am – Materials Through a Risk-Based Lens – Matt Begley (OEFFA) and Adam Seitz (QAI)
11:45am-12:45pm – Lunch provided by ACA
12:45-1:45pm – Organic Product Fraud Prevention: The Evolving Role of Certification Professional – John W Spink, PhD
2-3pm – Residue
3:15-4:45pm – Voices from the Field: Lessons Learned from TOPP and Their Applications in Certification
Day 2
9-10:30am – Using Risk Assessment to Improve Inspection and Certification Review: Part II – Marni Karlin and Jackie DeMinter
10:30-10:45am- Break
10:45am-12pm – AI in Action: Tools, Tips & Real-World Problem Solving for Organic Certification Staff – Ellie Hudson and Liz Figueredo
This conference is organized by the Accredited Certifiers Association.
STATE LEAD: Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
Shiprock, NM
Join us to explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding organic farming, organic certification, and local Indigenous labels.
Rodale Institute
Shiprock, NM
Swette Center and Rodale hosted workshop on organic production within Native communities. The aim is to explore the opportunities found around organic farming, organic certification, and local indigenous labels.
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.
