Join us for an opportunity to connect, learn, and foster collaborations within the specialty crop community during the South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition Conference from October 1–3, 2026 in Columbia, SC. This opening evening at Gardener’s Outpost will include a panel discussion on growing organic specialty crops and an Organic buyer-seller mixer. This discussion will provide attendees with firsthand insights into organic transition, market needs, and building successful relationships. With local food, we connect, ask questions, and strengthen field-to-market pathways.
This gathering is designed to foster connections between those passionate about sourcing and supplying local, sustainable, and organic food. We hope to see you there!

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National

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Southeast

The Gathering at Gardener’s Outpost – 2026 Fall SCBFC Conference

For decades, farmers working with healthy soil have known something is different about their food — more flavor, better animal health, crops that seem more resilient. But translating that intuition into something measurable, communicable, and commercially valuable has remained out of reach.
This panel brings together leading researchers and experienced farmers to close that gap. Drawing on emerging science around soil biology and nutrient density measurement, the conversation will focus on what farmers can actually observe, track, and share — and what that means for the future of quality-focused agriculture. Whether you are just beginning to think about nutrient density or already measuring it, this session is designed to give you practical insight and language to take back to your farm and your buyers.
<h4>Presenters:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Andrew Smith &#8211; Chief Science Officer, Rodale Institute</li>
<li>Anne Bikle &#8211; Biologist, Author &#8220;What Your Food Ate&#8221;</li>
<li>Brita Lundberg &#8211; 4th Generation Farmer &amp; Communications Manager, Lundberg Family Farms</li>
<li>Lael Gerhart &#8211; Engagement Leader, Frog Hollow Farm</li>
</ul>
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Northeast/Mid-Atlantic

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Midwest

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Northwest

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Plains

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West/Southwest

Nutrient Dense Food Webinar

Nutrient Dense Food: What Farmers Are Measuring and How They’re Selling It

Your farm has a story worth telling. This workshop will help you tell it well.
This session is designed to help organic farmers tell their farm story clearly, confidently, and in their own voice so they can connect with buyers and consumers, grow their business, and help others understand what organic is and why they should buy organic.
Here’s what to expect:
<ul>
<li>Articulate why you farm organically, and how to say it in a way that sticks</li>
<li>Share why buying local and domestic organic matters and how to make that case to your buyers and consumers</li>
<li>Learn how to shape your story for the audience in front of you, whether that’s a farmers market customer, a retail or wholesale buyer, or someone you just met</li>
</ul>
The Story Labs are designed and facilitated by the Organic Farmers Association and Modern Species, a creative agency focused on helping farmers, ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, brands, retailers, certifiers, and associations tell clear and compelling stories so buyers and consumers make better choices.
Webinar Panelists:
<ul>
<li>Gage Mitchell – Founder &amp; CEO of Modern Species</li>
<li>Madison Letizia – Communications Manager, Organic Farmers Association</li>
</ul>

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How to Tell Your Farm’s Story to Access Organic Markets

What resources report on organic pricing and what are the gaps in this data?
Public price and sales reports have helped level the playing field between buyers and sellers of all sizes. As agricultural information becomes increasingly privatized and markets more concentrated, that public data is more important than ever for a fair, stable organic sector. Join researcher Katie Butterfield (UC Davis), as she shares findings from her new peer-reviewed article, Improving USDA’s Public Price and Volume Data for an Equitable Organic Food Value Chain, along with the broader work behind it.
Here’s what to expect:
– Where to access organic pricing data as a farmer.
– What the research found: interviews and surveys with organic producers, processors, distributors, and retailers about how price and volume data can better serve them.
– Why access matters: many farmers don’t have the resources to purchase private data sources, and improving public data access, especially smaller markets, is one of the clearest ways to close that gap.
This session is for transitioning and organic farmers, buyers, supply chain actors, researchers, and advocates who want to understand what’s happening to organic acreage and pricing transparency and how better data can support a more equitable organic value chain.

Vibrant Selection: Colorful Produce at Local Market for Health-Conscious Buyers

Organic Pricing Data: Where to Find It and What New Research Reveals about Access

Rodale Institute’s Markets team is convening a Rye Working Group focused on developing diverse markets for organic rye.
Several significant rye initiatives already exist. Rather than duplicate them, our intention is to uplift the work already underway, increase shared learning, identify new opportunities, and explore strategies that require more coordination than any one organization can achieve alone. Rodale is convening and facilitating this group to support moving this work forward together.
While this working group focuses on rye, we recognize it is part of addressing a larger systemic need to build markets for the winter grains that make up healthy organic cropping rotations.
This working group intends to bring together growers, processors, millers, distillers, brand buyers, breeders, and researchers from across the rye supply system to coordinate efforts, share market intelligence, and find concrete ways to grow demand for organic rye.
We will be hosting two introductory meetings (September 14 and September 28) where we will share:
– Introductions and a chance to hear what everyone’s already working on
– The working group’s purpose and scope
– Systemic challenges and opportunities for rye markets
In Session 3 (October 5), we will get to work on collective action.
Conveners: 
Will Glazik, Rodale Institute
Bridget Gilmore, Rodale Institute
Rachel Kastner, reNourish Studio
Lauren Tucker, reNourish Studio

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Rye Working Group – Session 1

The Arkansas Grown TOPP End‑of‑Year Wrap‑Up Event brings together farmers, mentors, partners, and supporters to celebrate a year of growth, collaboration, and organic innovation across the state. This gathering highlights the progress made through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), showcases producer success stories, and offers a space to reflect on lessons learned while looking ahead to new opportunities. 
Participants will enjoy an engaging mix of updates, interactive discussions, and community‑building moments that honor the hard work happening on farms, in fields, and within local food systems. Whether you’re a transitioning producer, a seasoned organic grower, or a partner organization helping strengthen Arkansas agriculture, this event is a chance to connect, recharge, and celebrate the shared commitment to expanding organic production in Arkansas. Stay tuned for more details!

Arkansas Grown TOPP End-of-Year Wrap Up Event

Join us for Elevating Grain, a regional gathering designed to strengthen connections across the grainshed, including stakeholders from production and processing to procurement and policy.
This interactive fair brings together growers, millers, bakers, food producers, institutional buyers, and decision-makers to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and showcase the diversity and potential of using regional and organic grains.
Two interactive skill building workshops will be followed by a panel of experts representing all parts of the supply chain including perspectives on market access and opportunities for regional and organic grain producers. We will wrap up with an “eat and greet” mixer featuring vendor samples and drinks all highlighting local and organic grains allowing attendees to sample potential products they could use in their meal programs and operations.
The event will feature vendors representing mission-aligned producers and organizations, with attendees/buyers from across the regional food system.

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Elevating Grain: A Hudson Valley Grain Fair Connecting Purchasers, Processors, and Producers

Join Florida’s farmers, growers, agricultural professionals, and industry partners for a day of learning, networking, and practical strategies to help your operation thrive. This symposium brings together experts, buyers, and fellow producers to explore how organic agriculture can support environmental stewardship while creating new opportunities for growth and profitability.
Whether you are an established organic producer, transitioning to organic production, or simply looking to strengthen your business, you’ll gain valuable insights on conservation, market development, pest management, produce safety, and diversified farming systems.

Florida Organic Growers

Growing Stronger Together: Community, Markets, and Innovation for Farmers

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Plains region! Join us for an in-depth discussion of an updated “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this Advisor Call, we’ll discuss the Toolkit’s improvements since it was first launched in December 2025 and explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Plains region, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Advisor Call Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Plains)

<div>Have you felt like there should be a better way to keep organic records? Or does drafting your first OSP feel daunting?</div>
<div></div>
<div>Join MW TOPP for a free webinar to learn about a tool we&#8217;ve supported that can help farmers with their organic recordkeeping and writing their Organic Systems Plan (OSP).</div>
<div></div>
<div>The tool is called <a href="https://www.organicassistant.app/start-osp?utm_source=mosa&amp;utm_medium=webinar&amp;utm_campaign=aug2026_webinar">OrganicAssistant</a> and allows you to easily log organic records from your phone and draft your first OSP from the scattered files on your computer.</div>
<div></div>
<div>We&#8217;ll provide an overview of the tool and farmer experiences, then leave time for your questions.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Luke Freeman, formerly with the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food (CAFF), developed Organic Assistant in collaboration with organic farmers throughout the Midwest. He will give an overview of how to use the tool and organic farmers, Liz Graznak of Happy Hollow Farm (MO) and Brenden Sinclair of Snuggle Bug Farm (AR), will share how they use OrganicAssistant&#8217;s recordkeeping feature to log records from the field and how their multilingual farm crews participate in the farm&#8217;s recordkeeping.</div>
<div></div>
<div>
Register <a href="https://forms.gle/XZBjFTnQiX3eQCpH6">HERE</a> and we&#8217;ll email you the webinar link once you&#8217;re signed up.
</div>

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Webinar: Streamline your OSP and Organic Recordkeeping with OrganicAssistant

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Southwest &amp; West region! Join us for an in-depth discussion of an updated “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this Advisor Call, we’ll discuss the Toolkit’s improvements since it was first launched in December 2025 and explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Southwest &amp; West region, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Advisor Call Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Southwest & West)

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Northwest region! Join us for an in-depth discussion of an updated “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this Advisor Call, we’ll discuss the Toolkit’s improvements since it was first launched in December 2025 and explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Northwest region, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Advisor Call Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Northwest)

Do you grow and sell small and alternative grains? Looking to find new business partners to buy U.S. grown feed-grade ingredients?
Join the Organic Trade Association and our partners for our Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer on August 13, 2026 as a part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
What is a Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer: An online event for organic buyers and sellers &#8211; think online speed dating to support expansion of the U.S. organic supply chain! Participants&#8217; schedules will be created to connect sellers and buyers based on registration information and scheduling availability. For this buyer-seller mixer, we&#8217;re focused on organic and transitional small and alternative grains.
What do we mean by SMALL and ALTERNATIVE GRAINS? We&#8217;re targeting businesses buying or selling grains like oats, barley, rye, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, rice, and others.
Who Can Register: Any business (buyers) sourcing U.S.-grown small and alternative grains, and any farmer/producer of U.S.-grown organic or transitional small and alternative grains (sellers).  

Why: Support the domestic supply chain by sourcing small and alternative grains from domestic producers to meet your business needs in 2026 and beyond!
How: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YDF8S7C">Register here</a>. Our team of experts will craft a custom schedule for each registrant. Complete schedules will be shared with registrants by July 31, 2026.
Register by July 30. Space is limited &#8211; sign up today!
REGISTER NOW: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YDF8S7C">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YDF8S7C</a>
This mixer is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer for Small & Alternative Grains

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Midwest region! Join us for an in-depth discussion of an updated “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this Advisor Call, we’ll discuss the Toolkit’s improvements since it was first launched in December 2025 and explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Midwest region, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Advisor Call Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Midwest)

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Southeast region! Join us for an in-depth discussion of an updated “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this Advisor Call, we’ll discuss the Toolkit’s improvements since it was first launched in December 2025 and explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Southeast region, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Advisor Call Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Southeast)

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Northeast &amp; Mid-Atlantic region! Join us for an in-depth discussion of an updated “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this Advisor Call, we’ll discuss the Toolkit’s improvements since it was first launched in December 2025 and explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Northeast &amp; Mid-Atlantic region, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Advisor Call Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Northeast & Mid-Atlantic)

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the United States! Join us for an in-depth discussion of an updated “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this Advisor Call, we’ll discuss the Toolkit’s improvements since it was first launched in December 2025 and explore how to use the toolkit to identify key national market opportunities, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Advisor Call Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (National)

Join OGRAIN, Artisan Grain Collaborative, The Land Connection, IDEA Farm Network, Mad Agriculture, and Rodale Institute for this unique field day from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm tailored for both farmers and distillers to learn in the field and at the distillery. Dallas and Will Glazik will lead us as we tour organic fields and discuss proper food‑grade grain handling at Cow Creek Organic Farm. We’ll transition to Silver Tree Spirits for lunch featuring a farmer &amp; distiller panel followed by organic buyer/seller networking time.
The afternoon will include a distillery tour, a grain‑quality discussion, and an optional off‑flavor spirit tasting, offering participants a hands‑on opportunity to understand how grain quality influences flavor outcomes in distilled products. Have lingering questions or want to spend more time enjoying this great group of folks? Stick around the distillery to keep the conversation going. This event is for organic farmers, those transitioning, and those who are curious about organic production, and organic buyers. Come out to explore and network across the grain chain.

Organic Seed to Spirit Field Day

Organic Seed to Spirit Field Day + Buyer/Seller Mixer

Join us on July 23 in Skowhegan, Maine for a producer-led conversation and evening gathering focused on strengthening markets for regionally grown grain through collaboration, connection, and shared opportunity.
We will kick the day off with a producer-led panel discussion on building strong markets for locally-grown organic grains, moderated by Kim Butz of the Rodale Institute!
Panelists Amber Lambke, Joel Alex, Kerry Hanney, and Kyle DePietro will share where demand is growing, what makes grain market-ready, and how growers can enter and expand into new markets.
Then stay for The Grain Social, a grower-buyer mixer featuring regional food, drinks, and conversation designed to strengthen relationships across the grain economy.

The Kneading Conference

Growing Grain Markets: Buyer Panel & Grain Social

You’ve transitioned to organic—or you’re considering it. What comes next?
Presented by Rodale Institute and the Organic Trade Association as part of the National Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), this webinar is designed for farmers thinking beyond certification. Transitioning to organic is one step; building a viable business around it is another.
Danielle and Steven of TendWell Farm will share how they approached that challenge. Danielle will walk through how they developed a brand, identified market opportunities, and explored value-added products and alternative revenue streams for their diversified vegetable system. She’ll also discuss a key but often under-addressed reality: while organic can command a price premium, capturing that value depends on clear positioning and a thoughtful market strategy.
This session is a practical conversation with farmers who have navigated these decisions. Come prepared to listen, ask questions, and consider how their experience might apply to your own operation.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Building a Market for Organic Vegetable Systems: Lessons from a Successful Transition

Organic value does not stop at the farm gate. It is created and captured through the markets we build the relationships we nurture and the stories we tell from soil to shelf.
This virtual webinar explores how farmers, food makers, and organic entrepreneurs can move beyond selling raw commodities to intentionally design value added products and market pathways that reward organic practices. 
Through real world case studies and practical examples, we will examine how successful organic businesses have transformed crops into brands’ brands into categories and products into resilient value chains.
Participants will learn how today’s conscious consumers make buying decisions where value is gained or lost along the organic supply chain and how small shifts in product format function audience or narrative can unlock new markets. Whether you are selling at farmers markets working with regional distributors pitching retailers or building a direct-to-consumer presence this session will help you see your organic product not just as food but as part of a larger market system you can shape.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

From Farm to Brand Webinar

From Farm to Brand: Adding Value to Organics

One of the hardest parts about selling organic grain is getting bids from multiple buyers in your area. But it’s worth the effort! Since there is likely to be a price spread between buyers. And sometimes it’s as much as 10% or more. This webinar will explore basic steps in finding and reaching out to organic grain buyers in your area. It will also discuss what to do once you get a merchandiser/buyer on the phone, in terms of discovering what crops they buy, what volumes, when they make new contracts, and, most importantly, price discovery. We will also roleplay a phone call between an organic grain farmer and an organic grain buyer.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

7-9-2026 Organic Grain Selling Webinar

Organic Grain Selling: Roleplaying to Help You Connect and Do Business with New Buyers

Grain is often not consumed in the same area where it is produced, and individual farmers are rarely able to fill five rail cars at a time. Aggregation and logistics play a huge role in the value chain of organic grains. Join us for this webinar to hear from Matt Nidlinger of Wenger Group and Brian Williams of LaBudde on how organic grains are moving around the country and what farmers can do to add value to their operations.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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Organic Grain Aggregation and Transportation – Adding Value by Understanding Logistics

Join Rodale Institute and local partners for an evening focused on organic transition and the growing market for heritage grains in Ventura County. This field day is designed for farmers interested in exploring organic production, heritage grains, and new market opportunities.

Heritage Grain Field Day Flyer

Regenerate Ventura: Heritage Grain Field Day

Do you grow and sell pulses, such as beans, peas, lentils, peanuts and others? Looking to find new business partners to buy U.S. grown ingredients?
Join the Organic Trade Association and our partners for our Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer on June 18, 2026 as a part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
What is a Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer: An online event for organic buyers and sellers &#8211; think online speed dating to support expansion of the U.S. organic supply chain! Participants&#8217; schedules will be created to connect sellers and buyers based on registration information and scheduling availability. For this buyer-seller mixer, we&#8217;re focused on organic and transitional pulses.
What do we mean by PULSES? We&#8217;re targeting businesses buying or selling pulses like beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, and other edible seeds from legumes. 
 
Who Can Register: Any business (buyers) sourcing U.S.-grown pulses, and any farmer/producer of U.S.-grown organic or transitional pulses (sellers).
Why: Support the domestic supply chain by sourcing pulses from domestic producers to meet your business needs in 2026 and beyond!
How: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y2PTJ8M">Register here</a>. Our team of experts will craft a custom schedule for each registrant. Complete schedules will be shared with registrants by June 14, 2026.
Register by June 4. Space is limited &#8211; sign up today!
REGISTER NOW: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y2PTJ8M">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y2PTJ8M</a>
This mixer is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer for Pulses

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the USDA organic certification process, designed to support farmers at all stages of transition. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the steps involved, including application requirements, anticipated costs, and typical timelines, helping them plan with confidence. 
The workshop will also walk through essential preparation checklists, outlining what is needed before applying, during the transition period, and throughout inspections and audits. Attendees will learn how certification may influence day-to-day production and management practices, from input selection to operational decision-making. 
In addition, the session will highlight key considerations for maintaining certification over time. Topics will include best practices for recordkeeping, effective communication and reporting, and common pitfalls to avoid. The event will conclude with an interactive Q&amp;A, offering participants the opportunity to explore specific questions such as transitioning (“grandfathering”), establishing buffer zones between conventional and organic systems, and managing livestock or cropping systems within certification guidelines.

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Webinar: Organic Certification

Are you growing vegetables or grains? Growing organically or thinking about making the transition? Ready to scale up or find new market outlets? If you answered yes to any of these, this is the room you&#8217;ve been waiting for.
One night to close the gap between what Virginia farms grow and what local buyers need. If you&#8217;ve ever wondered what it takes to get your vegetables or grain into a distillery, mill, grocery store, or regional supply chain, bring your questions and come get the answers straight from the source.
The evening kicks off with a buyer panel featuring grain buyers from the distillery and milling world alongside diversified vegetable buyers from grocery, food hubs, and wholesale. Panelists include Evrim Dogu, Sub Rosa Bakery and Shelley Sackier, Reservoir Distillery and the Virginia Heritage Grain Project (BOD of Common Grain Alliance). They&#8217;ll share what they&#8217;re looking for, what it takes to sell into their operations, and how to get started. Then the floor opens up, and the real work begins, meeting them face to face.
Our local farms are providing us with the products we need for good food and good drinks, so come hungry, come thirsty, and come ready to talk and connect.
All farmers are welcome. Organic focus. Real conversations. No pitch decks are required.
The panel tells you what it takes. The mixer is where it happens.
Presented by Shalom Farms · Virginia Association for Biological Farming · Rodale Institute · Common Grain Alliance

VABF Grower Buyer Mixer

A Grower-Buyer Mixer – Where Virginia Farms Meet Their Match

Do you grow and sell feedstuffs including grains? Looking to find new business partners to buy U.S. grown feed-grade ingredients?
Join the Organic Trade Association and our partners for our Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer on April 23, 2026 as a part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
What is a Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer: An online event for organic buyers and sellers &#8211; think online speed dating to support expansion of the U.S. organic supply chain! Participants&#8217; schedules will be created to connect sellers and buyer based on registration information and scheduling availability. For this buyer-seller mixer, we&#8217;re focused on the organic and transitional feedstuffs market.
Who Can Register: Any business (buyers) sourcing U.S.-grown feed-grade ingredients and products, and any farmer/producer of U.S.-grown organic or transitional feed-grade ingredients and products (sellers).
Why: Support the domestic supply chain by sourcing feedstuffs from domestic producers to meet your business needs in 2026 and beyond!
How: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/993B8CD">Register here</a>. Our team of experts will craft a custom schedule for each registrant. Complete schedules will be shared with registrants by April 20, 2026.
Register by April 9. Space is limited &#8211; sign up today!
REGISTER NOW: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/993B8CD">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/993B8CD </a>
This mixer is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer for Feedstuffs Including Grains

Join us for a hands-on all day intensive that will guide growers through the essential steps to get organic products into local, regional, or national supply chains. It will provide practical tools, real world case studies, and networking opportunities to help move your organic produce from field to shelf.
What’s really happening in the organic produce market right now? Hear directly from buyers, farmers, and food hubs about emerging trends, pricing pressures, and new opportunities—followed by a farm tour of JSM Organics and time to connect over lunch and a closing mixer.
Buyers Panel – Organic Produce Market Trends
Organic produce buyers share insights from the front lines of the market—what’s selling, what’s slowing down, and what they see on the horizon 
for organic produce.
Farmer Panel – Farm-Level Pricing Pressures
Organic farmers discuss the pricing pressures they’re facing on the farm and how they’re adapting their production, marketing, and business strategies in a shifting market.
Food Hubs Panel – Expanding Market Opportunities
Food hub leaders share how they are expanding market opportunities for organic farmers and strengthening regional supply chains that connect farms with buyers. Featured panelists include Coastside Local Food Hub, FEED Sonoma, and Capay Valley Farm Shop.

From Farm to Shelf Flyer

From Farm to Shelf: Integrating Organic Produce into the Supply Chain

Join us for an organic field day at the University of Arkansas Vegetable Research Station from 9:00-3:00 pm followed by an Arkansas Grown Organic Buyer/Seller Mixer at 4:30 pm. This event brings together farmers, buyers, and manufacturers from across the state to engage in meaningful discussions about strengthening Arkansas-grown organic products and expanding opportunities within our local and regional markets. Through open dialogue, field insights, and relationship-building, we’llexplore how to better support one another across the supply chain — from seed to shelf. 
Whether you’re growing, sourcing, distributing, or developing Arkansas organic products, this Buyer Tour and Mixer is designed to spark new partnerships, share innovative ideas, and shape the next chapter of agriculture in our state. 
Come network at our Mixer at 4:30 PM at Fort Smith Brewing Company in Fort Smith.  
This event is for organic farmers, those transitioning, and those who are curious about organic production, and organic buyers. Come ready to connect, contribute, and collaborate — the future of Arkansas agriculture starts here.

Arkansas Field Day and Mixer

Organic Field Day and Mixer in Arkansas

Do you grow and sell small and alternative grains? Looking to find new business partners to buy U.S. grown feed-grade ingredients?
Join the Organic Trade Association and our partners for our Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer on March 31, 2026 as a part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
What is a Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer: An online event for organic buyers and sellers &#8211; think online speed dating to support expansion of the U.S. organic supply chain! Participants&#8217; schedules will be created to connect sellers and buyers based on registration information and scheduling availability. For this buyer-seller mixer, we&#8217;re focused on organic and transitional small and alternative grains.
What do we mean by SMALL and ALTERNATIVE GRAINS? We&#8217;re targeting businesses buying or selling grains like oats, barley, rye, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, rice, and others.
Who Can Register: Any business (buyers) sourcing U.S.-grown small and alternative grains, and any farmer/producer of U.S.-grown organic or transitional small and alternative grains (sellers). 

Why: Support the domestic supply chain by sourcing small and alternative grains from domestic producers to meet your business needs in 2026 and beyond!
How: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBP7FWW">Register here</a>. Our team of experts will craft a custom schedule for each registrant. Complete schedules will be shared with registrants by March 26, 2026.
Register by March 17. Space is limited &#8211; sign up today!
REGISTER NOW: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBP7FWW">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBP7FWW</a>
This mixer is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Do you grow and sell pulses, such as beans, peas, lentils, peanuts and others? Looking to find new business partners to buy U.S. grown ingredients?
Join the Organic Trade Association and our partners for our Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer on March 24, 2026 as a part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
What is a Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer: An online event for organic buyers and sellers &#8211; think online speed dating to support expansion of the U.S. organic supply chain! Participants&#8217; schedules will be created to connect sellers and buyers based on registration information and scheduling availability. For this buyer-seller mixer, we&#8217;re focused on organic and transitional pulses.
What do we mean by PULSES? We&#8217;re targeting businesses buying or selling pulses like beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, and other edible seeds from legumes. 
 
Who Can Register: Any business (buyers) sourcing U.S.-grown pulses, and any farmer/producer of U.S.-grown organic or transitional pulses (sellers).
Why: Support the domestic supply chain by sourcing pulses from domestic producers to meet your business needs in 2026 and beyond!
How: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PC3FTD3">Register here</a>. Our team of experts will craft a custom schedule for each registrant. Complete schedules will be shared with registrants by March 20, 2026.
Register by March 10. Space is limited &#8211; sign up today!
REGISTER NOW: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PC3FTD3">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PC3FTD3</a>
This mixer is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Join farmers, millers, maltsters, bakers, brewers, distillers, cooks, and consumers for two days of practical learning, community connection, and inspiration — from soil to sourdough, malt to market, and everything in between. Programming for the 2026 conference is coming together — with hands-on sessions, a pre-conference Grain Fair, family-friendly offerings, a new evening tasting event, and buyer-seller mixers.
The 2026 Grain Fair, March 15, will be hosted at the Rodale Institute, the fair is a free, family-friendly event for food enthusiasts and community members passionate about local agriculture. The Showcase features vendors offering foods and beverages made with Mid-Atlantic grains alongside demonstrators leading hands-on activities, talks, and displays. With farm tours and a festive marketplace atmosphere, the Grain Fair offers a dynamic entry point into the regional grain movement—bringing the seed-to-table journey to life and connecting community members with the people and products building a resilient Mid-Atlantic food system.

The 2026 Annual Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair & Grain Conference

Small farmers in the Northwest grow an incredible diversity of produce, livestock, and grains—and the region is full of consumers who care deeply about how and what you grow. If you are ready to move beyond direct sales and explore partnerships with distributors or retailers, this session is designed for you. 
We will begin with a panel discussion featuring 3–4 organic buyers, who will share insights on market trends, shifts in demand, and what it takes to build strong buyer relationships. Then, our Buyers Showcase opens the floor to all buyers in attendance, each sharing what they purchase and how they work with farmers. This unique format ensures that every producer has the chance to connect directly with multiple buyers. We’ll close the day with the Organic Connections Mixer, an informal and welcoming space for farmers and buyers to connect directly.

OSU Small Farms Conference

Organic Market Opportunities in the Northwest

Start the High Plains Organic Conference with connection! Our Buyers Showcase brings organic buyers to the front of the room to share who they are, what they source, and how they work with producers. With time for questions and conversation, this session sets the tone for two days of relationship-building across the organic marketplace—from farmers and buyers to the partners who support them.

Buyers Showcase at the High Plains Organic Conference

MOFGA’s Farmer to Farmer Conference is known for its intimacy, in-depth treatment of topics and profound discussions. The conference offerings are based on the idea that farmers learn best from their peers and other practitioners. Conference speakers include prominent and accessible university faculty, extension educators and other agricultural professionals.
Rodale will host a Buyer and Seller Meet-up &amp; Farmer Social, Saturday, February 7 at 2:30 p.m., Allagash Brewing Co., 50 Industrial Way, Portland, Maine. Join MOFGA and The Rodale Institute for a buyer and seller meet-up and networking event at Allagash, followed by a tour of the facility and a farmer social. Connect directly with local buyers and growers, learn from their real-world experience, and tap into resources that can boost your business. Farmers can explore new sales channels, buyers can discover trustworthy local suppliers, and everyone can build the relationships that keep our regional food system thriving.

MOFGA

Buyer and Seller Meet-up & Farmer Social at MOFGA

Join us at the 2026 Organic Grain Conference for an engaging Organic Markets Workshop designed to help producers, sourcing teams, processors, and food companies navigate the evolving organic marketplace. This interactive session will focus on buyer–seller discovery, emerging market opportunities, and strategies for building strong, transparent relationships across the supply chain. 
Whether you&#8217;re looking to broaden your network, explore new channels, or better understand what today’s organic markets demand, this workshop will provide practical insights and meaningful connections to support your success. 
Event location, timing, and participating vendors will be announced soon — stay tuned for more details. 
This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Organic Markets Workshop at  2026 Organic Grain Conference with The Land Connection

Enjoy live music, local bites, and mocktails from Locust Light farm. Connect with Rodale Institute’s crops marketing team, who will be on site to help introduce growers and buyers, give advice on finding premium market opportunities and help build organic supplier relationships. Perfect for organic farmers, conventional farmers thinking of transitioning, organic food and beverage makers and all types of food buyers (grocery, restaurants, processors and others). Leave with new friends, new customers and new suppliers.

NOFA-NJ Winter Conference FarmerBuyer Networking

NOFA-NJ Winter Conference Farmer/Buyer Networking

Join OGRAIN, the Artisan Grain Collaborative, and the Rodale Institute for an engaging evening designed to spark new connections and strengthen relationships across the organic supply chain. Supported by the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) , this mixer brings together the people who help organic agriculture thrive — growers, sourcing teams, food companies, millers, processors, and many others shaping our regional food system. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Giant Jones Brewery along with delicious pizza and desserts from ORIGIN Breads. Come meet new partners, reconnect with colleagues, discover sourcing opportunities, and share ideas that inspire a stronger, more transparent marketplace for organic ingredients. We’re excited to gather with those who grow, source, craft, and champion organic products — and to build the collaborations that move our industry forward. We hope to see you there!
Thank you to UW-Madison OGRAIN and Artisan Grain Collaborative for co-organizing this event. This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Buyer & Seller Mixer at the 2026 OGRAIN Winter Conference

Join us in Pacific Grove, California for our Sustainable Paths: Strengthening the Organic Produce Supply Chain on Wednesday, January 21 from 9:00 a.m. &#8211; 6:00 p.m.
The organic produce sector is growing rapidly, bringing new challenges in maintaining transparent, resilient, and integrity-driven supply chains. Explore practical strategies for building trusted relationships across the supply chain while improving traceability, efficiency, and equitable partnerships. In the evening, we will host a mixer for cultivating new connections.
Cost: $125, free registration for farmers &#8211; please email <a id="menuraf" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="mailto:markets@rodaleinstitute.org" href="mailto:Markets@RodaleInstitute.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Markets@RodaleInstitute.org">Markets@RodaleInstitute.org</a> for assistance
Thank you to the Ecological Farming Association for co-organizing this event. This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

EcoFarm 2026 Flyer

Sustainable Paths – Strengthening the Organic Supply Chain Pre-Conference at EcoFarm

Across the country, the number of certified organic operations has begun to shift in ways that warrant closer attention. While new operations continue to enter organic each year, the sector has experienced a net loss of certified operations within the crops and livestock scopes over the past several years. Understanding these dynamics is essential for supporting farm viability and strengthening organic food and farm systems.
This session will take a data-focused look at national trends using the Organic Integrity Database (OID) and certifier-reported information to help answer key questions: Who is exiting organic certification? Where are these changes occurring? What types of operations appear most affected? Presenters will share the latest available data, highlight what we know, and identify the gaps in information that limit our understanding of why these shifts are occurring.
We’ll also discuss how the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) can help strengthen farm viability and what additional policy levers may be needed to support farmers and protect organic integrity.

Why Are We Losing Organic Farms? Understanding the Challenges and Charting a Path Forward

This panel brings together growers and buyers across different production approaches to have an honest, practical conversation about where small farms can expand their markets. We’ll explore opportunities in direct-to-consumer sales, restaurants, retail, wholesale, and institutional purchasing, with a focus on building stable pricing, reliable volume, and long-term buyer relationships. For farms that are certified organic, in transition, or considering the option, we’ll offer a clear look at how organic certification can factor into market access and pricing, what changes on the farm, what support exists, and where certification can open doors. The emphasis is on informed choice. Farmers who are transitioning will gain valuable next steps. Farmers who are certified will learn strategies to deepen market capacity. Farmers who are curious will walk away with a grounded understanding of whether organic market participation aligns with their goals and bottom line. Buyers will share real data and purchasing insight, what they need, what works, and how to build strong, value-aligned partnerships across all scales.
Thank you to Virginia Association for Biological Farming (VABF) and the Roanoke Foodshed Network (RFN) for co-organizing this event. This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Buyer:Grower Expo Flyer

Buyer/Grower Panel Discussion at VABF: The Organic Option–Practical Paths to Market Expansion

Are you a buyer or grower in the Roanoke region—serving or sourcing from Roanoke City, Salem City, or the counties of Roanoke, Franklin, Floyd, Montgomery, Craig, Botetourt, or Bedford? Interested in expanding your business relationships and strengthening the local food economy?
Join the Virginia Association for Biological Farming (VABF), the Rodale Institute, and the Roanoke Foodshed Network (RFN) for a regional Buyer/Grower Expo as part of the 2026 VABF Conference on January 10th, 2026 (event schedule below). This event connects farmers, food producers, distributors, restaurants, institutions, and retailers who are passionate about sourcing and supplying local, sustainable food.
Learn from buyers who procure locally and growers who sell to wholesale markets. Meet face-to-face with regional buyers and growers, build new market relationships, and discover resources to support your business growth. Whether you’re a farmer looking to expand sales or a buyer seeking reliable local suppliers, this event provides a space to make meaningful connections that strengthen our regional food network.
Thank you to Virginia Association for Biological Farming (VABF) and the Roanoke Foodshed Network (RFN) for co-organizing this event. This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Roanoke Region Buyer/Grower Expo at the VABF Conference

Join Ohio State University and the Rodale Institute for the Organic Grower–Buyer Mixer, a dedicated space for meaningful buyer/seller discovery. This mixer brings together growers, sourcing teams, processors, and food and grain companies to connect, explore new partnerships, and discover high-quality organic ingredients. 
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, meet potential collaborators, or gain insight into today’s organic marketplace, this event offers valuable opportunities to build relationships and foster collaboration. Stay tuned for more details.
This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Organic Markets Workshop & Organic Grower-Buyer Mixer at Ohio State University Organic Grains Conference

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Southeast region! Join us for an in-depth walkthrough of “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a new resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this webinar, we’ll explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Southeast, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

SOUTHEAST Toolkit

Webinar: Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Southeast)

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Southwest region! Join us for an in-depth walkthrough of “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a new resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this webinar, we’ll explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Southwest, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

SOUTHWEST_TX_NM_Toolkit.pptx

Webinar: Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Southwest)

Continuous row cropping with tillage does not build soil health and organic matter; therefore, cash grain operations without livestock need to give attention to incorporating legumes and small grains into their rotation through better system planning. There are strategies that work well, such as organic no-till with a killed rye mulch for soybeans or interseeding clover into standing corn. Methods and options for soil improvement, as well as marketing strategies, are all part of a successful crop rotation plan.

Improving Your Crop Rotation

Calling all farmers and stakeholders who live in the Plains region! Join us for an in-depth walkthrough of “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a new resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this webinar, we’ll explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Plains, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

PLAINS Toolkit

Webinar: Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Plains)

Calling all Northwestern farmers and stakeholders! Join us for an in-depth walkthrough of “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a new resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this webinar, we’ll explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Northwest, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

NORTHWEST Toolkit

Webinar: Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Northwest)

Calling all Midwestern farmers and stakeholders! Join us for an in-depth walkthrough of “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a new resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this webinar, we’ll explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Midwest, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

MIDWEST Toolkit

Webinar: Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Midwest)

Calling all Northeast farmers and stakeholders! Join us for an in-depth walkthrough of “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a new resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this webinar, we’ll explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the Northeast, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

NORTHEAST Toolkit

Webinar: Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit (Northeast)

Join us for an in-depth walkthrough of “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a new resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. This toolkit provides farmers and stakeholders with data, insights, and opportunity analysis to help expand regional production of high-demand organic crops, reduce reliance on imports, and increase economic opportunities for U.S. farmers. During this webinar, we’ll explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

NATIONAL Farmer’s Toolkit

Webinar: Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit – Train the Trainers All Regions Pt. 1

Do you grow and sell feed-grade ingredients or products? Looking to find new business partners to buy U.S. grown feed-grade ingredients?
Join the Organic Trade Association and our partners for our first-ever Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer on December 10, 2025 as a part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
What is a Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer: An online event for organic buyers and sellers &#8211; think online speed dating to support expansion of the U.S. organic supply chain! This mixer we&#8217;re focused on the organic feedstuffs market.
Who Can Register: Any business (buyers) sourcing U.S.-grown feed-grade ingredients and products, and any farmer/producer (sellers) of U.S.-grown organic or transitional feed-grade ingredients and products. Open to anyone in the U.S.! Regions are not limited. 
 
Why: Support the domestic supply chain by sourcing feedstuffs from domestic producers 
 
How: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YBCCHNL">Register here</a>. Our team of experts will craft a custom schedule for each registrant. Complete schedules will be shared with registrants by December 7, 2025.
Space is limited &#8211; sign up today!
REGISTER NOW: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YBCCHNL">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YBCCHNL </a>
This mixer is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer for Organic Feedstuffs

Learning from the successes and challenges of this past year is necessary for building future success. Have you reviewed the profitability of your various crops and farm enterprises to determine where you are generating a profit? What do you like to grow, and what grows well on your farm and with your infrastructure? What sells well through your markets? A discussion will be held on the factors that need to be reviewed and how to prioritize areas for next year’s production and improvements.

Building Your Enthusiasm for Next Year’s Vegetable Production

Featured Speakers:
Kim Butz, The Rodale Institute 
Sandi Kronick, Happy Dirt 
Lindsey Barrow, Low Country Street Grocery 
Danielle Hutchison, TendWell Farm 
Rebekah Spaid, GrowFood Carolina 
Tony Dorn, USDA-NASS
Kim leads an engaging, solutions-focused workshop designed to help transitioning and certified organic producers navigate the complex world of organic markets. This session offers practical tools and hands-on guidance for producers seeking to enter or expand into organic markets.
● Learn how to assess market readiness and build a tailored marketing strategy.
● Use pricing and market trend tools for smarter decision-making.
● Understand organic market requirements and how to meet buyer expectations.
● Identify risks and opportunities within different market channels.
● Access regionally relevant tools, templates, and follow-up support; and
● Connect with Rodale Institute, TOPP regional partners, area farmers, and other technical assistance providers for continued guidance.
This workshop is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Growing Market Confidence: Tools and Strategies for Organic Producers

Join us Friday night for a laid-back mixer where organic farmers, buyers, and friends of the movement can hang out, share stories, and connect over the one thing we all have in common: growing a better food system. All attendees receive a drink ticket for a complimentary beverage and locally-sourced appetizers.
This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Seeding Connections: Grower-Buyer Mixer

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Wild Hope Farm is one of the Southeast&#8217;s leading USDA Certified Organic farms, offering year-round diversified produce and cut flowers, selling through multiple regional wholesale distributors, farmers&#8217; markets, and a CSA program. Farmers Ben, Mary, and Peanut give a guided tour of the farm and walk participants through what it takes to scale up in the fields and the pack-house. They offer insights from their experience using riding versus walk-behind tractors, considering field layout, row spacing, and cultivation, adding haygroves to their high tunnel production, and post-harvest practices to ensure wholesale readiness. Kim facilitates a discussion with regional organic buyers about what it takes to move high-quality organic products successfully. Join this crew for an energizing on-farm experience and networking event focused on scaling organic production for wholesale success.
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This workshop is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).
*This event is FREE and includes lunch, but is reserved for farmers/producers and wholesale buyers. Attendees who are not farmers or buyers who register will be put on a waitlist.
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Scaling Up for Organic Wholesale Workshop – CFSA Sustainable Agriculture Conference

Join us at the Tilth Alliance Conference for a focused series of sessions designed to help organic and local producers expand into new markets. This programming brings together practical education and direct networking opportunities to support farmers at every stage of market development.
Farm to School Track 
Build foundational knowledge of selling to K–12 institutions, including how school procurement works, how to position your products, and how to connect with buyers. Sessions include hands-on training, real-world success stories, and opportunities to network directly with school food purchasers.
Marketing Your Organic Farm Track 
Strengthen your business and marketing approach by learning how to identify the right market channels, understand buyer expectations, and build lasting customer relationships that support long-term growth.
The event concludes with the “Growing Markets for Organic &amp; Local Food” Mixer, where farmers connect directly with buyers, chefs, and food system partners to explore sourcing needs, share insights, and build relationships that open new market opportunities.

Supporting Organic & Local Market Development

Join us at StarWalker Organic Farms, the nation’s first Regenerative Organic Certified® beef and pork producer for a free field day with tours breakout sessions, and community connection.
Why Attend?
The demand for Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) food is growing fast — driven by consumers and buyers who want meat that is both nutrient-dense and raised with integrity. Yet supply is still far behind. That’s why Rodale Institute, the Regenerative Organic Alliance, and StarWalker Organic Farms are coming together to host this Organic Field Day — an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to:
<ul>
<li>Learn directly from StarWalker Organic Farms, the nation’s first ROC and organic certified beef and pork producer.</li>
<li>Explore opportunities to join a growing network of Partner Producers.</li>
<li>Connect with buyers and regenerative organic agriculture leaders.</li>
<li>Be part of shaping a supply chain that utilizes organic practices to regenerate soil, respect animals, and nourish people with the highest-quality food.</li>
</ul>
Thank you to StarWalker Organic Farms  for hosting and co-organizing this event. The Organic Workshop &amp; Buyer-Seller Mixer are supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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StarWalker Organic Farms Field Day: Linking Arms to Build the Future of Regenerative Organic Meat

Get an inside look at StarHarvest, a state-of-the-art processing facility dedicated to serving local organic and regenerative farmers and ranchers. Since opening in May 2024, StarHarvest has been processing both pigs and cattle, enhancing their ability to provide high-quality, organic raised meat directly from their farm to your table.
The facility is not only USDA-certified but also proudly holds Organic and Regenerative certifications. They are also working towards additional certifications to meet the diverse needs of local farms, helping them achieve the labels they desire for their meat products.
During this guided tour, you will learn about how this facility is strengthening local food systems by providing a much-needed infrastructure for other farmers and ranchers who share a commitment to quality and sustainable practices.
Spaces are limited. Join a tour to witness the future of regenerative meat processing in action.
Thank you to StarWalker Organic Farms  for hosting and co-organizing this event. The Organic Workshop &amp; Buyer-Seller Mixer are supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

StarHarvest Tours Flyer

StarHarvest Tours

Join us for a delicious Field-to-Fork Dinner at StarWalker Organic Farms. We have partnered with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chefthomasdrury/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chef Thomas Drury</a>, a brilliant chef known for his artistry and commitment to organic and regenerative foods. He is creating a field-to-fork dinner experience that’s truly a production, highlighting the story of the ingredients, the land, and the people behind them.
Thank you to StarWalker Organic Farms  for hosting and co-organizing this event. The Organic Workshop &amp; Buyer-Seller Mixer are supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Field-to-Fork Dinner

Field-to-Fork Dinner StarWalker Organic Farms

OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) program provides farmers with technical assistance and a small amount of funding to investigate and learn about solutions to their most pressing production challenges. 
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open, and will be accepted until December 3rd, 2025. Learn more about the FLT Program and apply today!.

Applications Open for Farmer-Led Research Trials

Joining us for an inspiring day of education and connection at <a href="https://www.thistlerockmead.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thistlerock Mead Co.</a> and <a href="https://www.wayflowering.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wayflowering</a>—a regenerative flower farm, apiary and meadery nestled in the heart of Virginia’s foodshed.
Start the day with an Organic Educational Workshop, featuring a panel discussion from leaders in the regenerative movement including Christopher Gergen (Regenerative Organic Alliance), Michael Carter Jr. (Carter Farms), and Kim Butz (Rodale Institute). Following the panel, connect with members of Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting team for expert guidance on topics ranging from organic certification and market development to soil health and transitioning practices.
Then, take part in a Buyer &amp; Seller Mixer where you will have the opportunity to connect with institutional and regional buyers seeking to source locally grown products. Enjoy a delicious farm-fresh lunch while building valuable relationships that can expand your markets.
Thank you to Thistlerock Mead Co. &amp; Farm for hosting and co-organizing this event. This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Gather & Grow: Cultivating Organic Connections

Join us for a one-day immersive symposium convening institutional leaders and food systems innovators to explore farm-to-institution models as powerful levers for change. From universities and healthcare systems to food hubs and farmers, we’re bringing together the people rethinking how land, procurement, and public health intersect.
If you are an institutional leader, food procurement team, sustainability professional, farmer, researcher, or advocate, this event is for you! Presented by Rodale Institute and the University of Virginia.

Farm-to-Institution Symposium

Join us for &#8220;From Soil to Market,&#8221; a networking event in collaboration with Rodale Institute market development team in the Midwest designed to connect regenerative and organic farmers, transitioning producers, and buyers of organic and regenerative food and feed ingredients. This event will provide valuable insights into the market challenges and opportunities of organic transition, market demand for organic food, feed, and personal care ingredients, and sourcing regenerative and organic products.
Attendees will hear firsthand experiences from certified organic farmers and farmers transitioning to organic production, engage with organic buyers and traders seeking high-quality organic and regenerative ingredients, and network with industry experts over a farm-fresh organic lunch and an organic ice cream social. Additionally, vendors will be available to share resources on the transition to organic farming, certification, and regenerative organic agriculture best practices.
Whether you are a seasoned organic farmer, a buyer looking to source regenerative ingredients, or a producer exploring the transition, this event will offer valuable connections, knowledge, and market insights to support your journey.
This event has been funded under a Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement NR246740XXXXC008 between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA), to promote sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA or NRCS.
The buyer mixer portion of this event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

From Soil to Market: An Organic Farming Networking Event

Join us in Grand Island, NE for a field walk focused on no till organic crop production and a buyer tour. Participants will have the opportunity to tour fields of organic corn no tilled into living alfalfa. Additionally, Ben Miller (North Platte, NE) will share his learnings from over 10 years of experience with the system. Other growers experimenting with the technique will be present to discuss and share.
Engage with key players in organic supply chains at this buyer tour, crafted to connect buyers with transitioning and established organic farmers.
Expect to cultivate valuable partnerships with potential buyers and farmers and enjoy lunch featuring Nebraska-grown organic ingredients. This event is for organic farmers, those transitioning, and those who are curious about organic production, and organic buyers.
Don’t be deterred by lodging cost! There is a large event Husker Harvest Days  (https://www.huskerharvestdays.com/en/home.html) occurring during the same week, which has increased the cost of accommodations in Grand Island. We recommend looking at hotels in neighboring towns such as Hastings and Kearney.

No-Till Organic Corn Field Walk & Buyer Tour

Join The Land Connection, OGRAIN, Artisan Grain Collaborative, IDEA Farm Network, and Rodale Institute for this unique field day tailored for both farmers and distillers to learn in the field and at the distillery. Dallas and Will Glazik will lead us as we tour organic fields and discuss proper food-grade grain handling at Cow Creek Organic Farm and wrap up the day with a distillery tour, grain quality talk, and optional tasting at Silver Tree Spirits. Come out to explore and network across the grain chain.

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Field Day and Buyer Tour: Farmer-Distiller Grain Connections

As weather patterns become more erratic, the need for irrigation to germinate seeds for an even stand, as well as provide moisture as the crop matures, dictates the need for a watering strategy that fits the scale, crops, soil types and capabilities of the farmer. There are numerous irrigation systems, movable or static, drip or overhead, well or surface water and more that could be used. We will discuss what is working in your region and farm type, as well as where to buy equipment and problem solve to improve your current system.

Collective Farmer Circles – Square 2025

Collective Farmer Circle: Irrigation Strategies for Specialty Crop Growers

<h4>Join us at Greenleaf Acres farm for a laser weeder demonstration, field walk, agronomy learnings, and buyer tour focused on organic grain production.</h4>
Engage with key players in organic supply chains at this buyer tour, crafted to connect buyers with transitioning and established organic farmers during an immersive field walk. This event will focus on scaling organic ingredient production and the opportunities for marketing the whole organic crop rotation in the Plains. Expect to cultivate valuable partnerships with potential buyers and farmers and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Colorado grown organic ingredients.
This event is for organic farmers, those transitioning, and those who are curious about organic production, and organic buyers.
<a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/central-plains-organic-grain-field-walk-and-buyer-tour/">Register here to attend</a>.
Thank you to Albert Lea Seed for sponsoring the demonstration and field walk portions of this event. Thank you to representatives from Clear Fronter for support in planning and facilitating the event.

Central Plains Organic Grain Field Walk and Buyer Tour

Join us for the last session of the “Organic Markets for Grain Farmers” series. This upcoming advisor call is designed as a follow-up to the last two previous webinars on Markets ROI and Buyer Perspectives on Organic Grain Markets. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the earlier sessions to engage in a deeper discussion about these topics with farmers, buyers, and economic experts who were featured in previous webinars. This advisor call is an open forum for you to ask any questions you have related to organic grain markets. This call may also include a walkthrough of organic clearinghouses, including how to effectively utilize these resources for your business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and ask questions about the organic grain market.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/ask-me-anything-organic-markets-for-grain-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

Ask me Anything – Organic Markets for Grain Farmers

Our Organic Summit picks up where the NOSB meeting leaves off—with a strategic and solutions-focused dialogue about the future of organic. This gathering is a call to action for the entire organic community to align around shared priorities, especially in light of ongoing federal funding freezes and cuts to USDA staffing and programs.
The event will include:
<ul data-rte-list="default">
<li>
A DC organic policy update from NOC Policy Director Steve Etka
</li>
<li>
A farmer panel sharing firsthand insights on how policy decisions impact farms and rural communities
</li>
<li>
A panel on grassroots advocacy strategies to protect and advance organic agriculture
</li>
</ul>
Additional speakers and session details will be announced soon.
Both events are free and virtual. We hope you’ll join us to stay informed, speak out, and support the future of organic.
Register below by May 19.

Organic+Summit

Organic Summit

Whether you are experiencing your first organic inspection, or have been inspected for decades, knowing you are well prepared can lessen anxiety and spend more time out in the field and less time with the inspector on your well-organized paperwork. New organic regulations require stricter auditing. We will share how to prepare common sense documentation that protects organic integrity from seed to sale.

Collective Farmer Circle: Get Ready for Your Organic Inspection

Join us for an engaging follow-up to the previous webinar, “Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Grain Farmers,” where we dive deeper into the perspectives of buyers in the organic grain market. Attendees will gather insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, learn about key factors that influence buyer decisions, and learn how to build strong, collaborative relationships with buyers. This conversation is designed specifically for farmers looking to understand the current landscape and future opportunities in organic grain markets.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-buyer-perspectives-on-organic-grain-sourcing/">Register here to attend</a>.

Certification and Compliance

Farm Business and Market Access

Mentorship and Research Materials

Pest, Weed, and Disease Management

Soil Health and Inputs

Events

Regional Partners