Let’s Grow American Agriculture
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources.
Two Years of Progress: How TOPP is Growing Organic from the Ground Up
Since its launch in 2022, the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) has been strengthening organic farming communities. This report highlights the first two years of TOPP, showcasing real stories, key partnerships, and insights on how the program supports producers transitioning to organic, boosts local economies, and expands market opportunities.
We are six regions working together nationwide towards a common goal:
to grow the network of organic producers.
With TOPP, producers transitioning to organic will find support through the transition and certification process. Mentorship, workshops, webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production, the certification process, market opportunities, and more.
Find your region below to learn more about mentorship, events, and resources.
Join Our Mentorship Program
The TOPP mentorship program builds connections between experienced organic producers and producers transitioning to organic, supports the transition process, and creates a stronger network of organic producers across the United States.
For Mentees
Transitioning producers gain support, guidance, and development through mentorship.
As a transitioning producer you will receive free mentorship from an experienced organic producer. Mentors and transitioning producers will work together to set goals for the mentorship year and will form a strong network of organic producers across the region.
For Mentors
Mentors play a crucial role in helping new organic producers succeed while growing the organic movement.
As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to guide and support producers who are transitioning to organic, providing them with valuable insights, practical advice, and industry best practices. Mentorship training, time, and travel are paid. All crop and livestock producers are welcome to apply!
Upcoming Events
Red Acre Center
Cedar City, UT
Training for our farmer training program. 4 Selected individuals that meet for weekly instruction and hands-on, including field work, CSA set up and pick up, farmers markets, and farm tours.
MA'O Organic Farms
2:00 am - 6:00 am (HAT) | Honolulu, HI
Community event to meet with other folks in the organic food movement and discuss current topics.
Practical Farmers of Iowa
10:30 am - 12:30 pm (CST) | Arion, Iowa
Over the past decade, Eric has transformed his farming operation in western Iowa, with a focus on improving water quality, weed management and overall efficiency. He has adopted practices such as cover cropping and adding small grains to rotations. Eric also plants into living cover (known as planting green) to manage weeds, reduce erosion and promote soil health.
In pursuit of greater financial viability for his farm, Eric launched Graz’n, a value-added pet food business. He also started BioCovered, which specializes in cover crop application and equipment sales. He’s eager to show how he has optimized efficiency on his farm through the innovative use of a rotary hoe equipped with an air seeder and computer system. Join us to discuss and see firsthand Eric’s pursuit of sustainability on his organic farm operation.
See & Discuss
- Corn planted green into alfalfa to reduce cultivation, control weeds and reduce nitrogen inputs
- Cereal rye to be harvested as cover crop seed
- Reducing field passes with a custom-designed rotary hoe mounted with an air seeder
- Steps to purifying water quality on the farm
- Focusing on return on investment rather than yield in an organic system
Holley Family Farms
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (PT) | Online
Subject – Farmer Health
FarmTalk is a live, virtual, biweekly conversation hour for growers, self-moderated and guided by a panel of experienced growers. Rob Holley is a panelist and participates regularly (hasn’t missed an episode!) as a representative of Holley Family Farms, a Grow Organic Nevada TOPP Partner Farm, to discuss various growing/production questions, as well as provide technical assistance related to TOPP, mentorship program, and organic certification
FarmTalk is also recorded and later streamed on Spotify (the idea of Holley Family Farms!)
Organic Association of Kentucky
DreamTime Market Gardens, Lexington
From an open field in the summer of 2020 to a certified organic farm with 1.2 acres of open and covered vegetable and herb production serving an on-farm market, restaurant, grocery and wholesale outlets, DreamTime Market Garden has grown steadily in its first five years. Zach Selby transitioned his work from full-time chef and backyard gardener to full-time organic farmer by learning from other farmers, building in annual growth to infrastructure and production systems, cultivating market and customer relationships, leaning on funding and technical assistance programs, expanding crops and product offerings and growing his farm staff.
At this Farmer Field Day, Zach will walk us through DreamTime’s fields, high tunnels, pack-shed and greenhouse; share his production planning and processes and demonstrate seeding equipment and cultural practices. The Field Day conversation will also explore Zach’s inside perspective on working with restaurants and chefs, the challenges of not living on-farm and farming with limited water access.
News
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change.
