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
Organic Crop Management Series
Organic Growers School
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (EST) | Zoom
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.
Sustainability=Profitability: A Food, Production, and Marketing Practices Panel
Market Umbrella, co-hosted by SPROUT Nola and Louisiana Central
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (CDT) | LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station 21549 Old Covington Hwy. Hammond, LA 70403
Join us for an engaging panel with local small-scale farmers on how sustainable practices in food production and marketing can drive profitability for your farm or small business. Then, we’ll learn how to transition from synthetic and conventional chemicals to effective organic alternatives, enhancing soil health, boosting crop resilience, and promoting biodiversity.
Learn more and register here.
Agriculture Field Day
Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm (PT) | Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center: 10819 Carnation-Duvall Rd NE Carnation, WA 98014
Join Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center and Agriculture Program Manager Anthony Reyes for a fall-focused field day and tour! We will be exploring and providing updates and learnings from various farming and production trials throughout the year including our first year of summer drought resilience cover crop trials and second year of dry farm production trials.
We will also explore the benefits, types, and methods of incorporating cover crops in Organic farming systems, talking through technical aspects of site prep, selection, seeding, etc. Additionally we will discuss everything winter farm prep and shoulder season production, talking through the technical nitty gritty of Organic regulations and opportunities of extending your growing season, bulking and storing winter crops, and have the opportunity to ask questions about cover crops or general Organic and sustainable farming practices.
Perspectives on Organic Certification: A Farmer Panel Webinar
University of Wisconsin-Madison OGRAIN | FairShare CSA
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm (CST) | Online
Interested in getting certified organic, or just curious? Join OGRAIN and FairShare CSA for a webinar panel of certified, recently transitioned, and non-certified farmers as they discuss their perspectives and decision-making processes about organic certification.
We’ll hear from Kat Becker (Cattail Organics), Brad Wissmueller (Little Society Farm), and Martice Scales (Full Circle Healing Farm) about their experiences and key factors that shaped their decisions about organic certification, including market opportunities, recordkeeping, and feasibility.
Learn more about the organic transition process, as well as some of the financial and technical resources available to transitioning farmers.
A live question-and-answer session will also give you the chance to ask your most pressing questions about certification and farming organically.
Webinar Co-hosts:
- The Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) is a University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) program that provides resources and support for organic grain production in the Upper Midwest
- FairShare CSA is a Wisconsin non-profit organization serving the Midwest region to build resilient food communities by investing in farmers and empowering eaters.
Webinar: Organic Unveiled—A Journey Through Certification and Challenges
Rodale Institute
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (EST)
Join us for a live conversation with a organic citrus farmer!
Rodale Institute is excited to invite you to a live conversation with Herb Young, the passionate owner of Squeeze Citrus, as he shares his journey into organic citrus farming.
Herb will dive into his experiences with organic certification and the unique challenges he’s faced growing organic citrus in South Georgia. Discover experiences of regenerative organic practices and gain valuable insights into making your organic farm thrive.
This webinar is perfect for current and transitioning organic farmers. Whether you’re starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to navigate the organic certification process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert and enhance your organic farming journey!
Hosted by:
- De’Anthony Price, Southeast Organic Consultant
- Jen Rose Silverman, New Mexico Organic Consultant
- Herb Young, Owner of Squeeze Citrus
This webinar is funded by the USDA National Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
Learn more and register here.
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