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.
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
Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CST) | Online or Curtiss Hall in Ames, Room 13
The Iowa State University Organic Agriculture program offers a 16 week course, ” Organic Agriculture Theory and Practice Course,” to provide an understanding of the historical origins and ecological theories behind the practices related to organic agriculture.
This course offers an interdisciplinary examination of organic crop and livestock production and socio-economic processes and policies in organic agriculture from researcher and producer perspectives.
Maine Grain Alliance
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (EST) | Online
Maine’s grain economy has seen incredible growth over the last decade, driven by a revival of the state’s milling and malting industries. Farmers and producer partnerships made this revival possible and maintaining them will be crucial to meet the growing demand for organic grains in the years to come.
This workshop will bring together three local producers — Amber Lambke (Maine Grains), Joel Alex (Blue Ox Malthouse), and Kerry Hanney (Night Moves Bakery) — for a discussion on the future of Maine’s grain economy, offering insight on market trends and opportunities for further collaboration.
Florida Organic Growers
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (EST)
Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free “organic office hours”!
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you’re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process.
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.
Don’t miss out – register here!
People 1st Global Food and Land Reclamation Foundation
10:00 am - 4:00 pm (MT) | Tucson, AZ
This 3 day hemp building workshop will go over farming/growing hemp, organic certification and uses for hemp, including hands on workshops for hemp crete, hemp insulation and hemp rebar.
Alaska Food Policy Council
8:00 am - 6:00 am | Kodiak, AK
The Alaska Food Festival and Conference brings together food experts, producers, advocates, educators, eaters, and more. Whether the food comes from land or water, it is all crucial to Alaska’s food future. Expect a diversity of speakers from all food system and agricultural sectors. Conference goals are to:
1. Increase awareness of Alaska food issues among the general population;
2. Provide training, resources, and networking opportunities to increase involvement in local food issues by community members and decision-makers; and
3. Increase connections and build community between the public, Alaska food businesses, NGOs, governmental entities, Tribal entities, and others to support local economic development and innovative solutions.
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