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Let's Go Organic

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources.

We are six regions working together nationwide towards a common goal:
to grow the network of organic producers.

With TOPP, producers transitioning to organic will find support through the transition and certification process. Mentorship, workshops, webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production, the certification process, market opportunities, and more.

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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.

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Dan Paulsen (NRCS) and Roger, soy beans, Roger, Lansink Organic Farms, Odebolt, IA

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.

Apply Now
Eric, Nelson Organics, Pendleton, OR

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!

Apply Now

Upcoming Events

national
Oct-Dec14-01

OFRF Farmer-Led Trials Applications Open

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OFRF

Virtual

OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials program provides farmers with funding and technical assistance to investigate and learn about solutions to their most pressing production challenges. Applications for the 2025 season open October 14–December 1, 2024.

northeast-mid-atlantic
Oct29

Urban Farms: Certifying Organic, One Step at a Time

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Grow Pittsburgh

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (EST) | Garden Dreams: 806 Holland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA

In-Person

This workshop is designed to guide urban farmers through the process of achieving organic certification. Participants will learn about the essential steps and requirements for obtaining organic certification for their farms. The workshop will cover topics such as organic farming practices, record-keeping, soil health management, and navigating certification standards. It aims to empower urban farmers with practical knowledge and resources to transition to organic agriculture successfully.

west-southwest
Oct29

Organic Office Hours

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11:00 am - 12:00 pm (PST) | Online

Virtual

Curious about what it takes to transition your operation to organic? Or a newly certified producer with questions on how to stay in compliance? Just ask Jamie! Join weekly zooms with organic expert, farmer, and inspector Jamie Collins from Serendipity Farms and learn about Organic certification, Organic System Plans, how to certify organic, and more.  All questions and experience levels welcome!

Join office hours any and every Tuesday, 11am-noon PST via zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89941176462?pwd=EGapsifPoPsOvOjCTGaOU1BruUKNdC.1
Meeting ID: 899 4117 6462
Passcode: organic

If this time does not work, email organictransitionprogram@gmail.com to schedule a consultation with Jamie.

northeast-mid-atlantic
Oct30

Soil Health, Fertility, and Conservation Workshop

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Rutgers University - Rutgers Gardens

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (EST) | 130 Log Cabin Rd., New Brunswick, NJ

In-Person

As the foundation of organic farming, soil and its stewardship must be at the center of any production plan. Most production practices influence soil properties, and therefore must be implemented with intention to adequately sustain or enhance its health and quality. The discussion will focus on practices and systems that prioritize soil and contribute towards its capacity to support plant and human health, and overall ecosystem function. Kimberly Dalton (NRCS Soil Conservationist), Joseph Heckman (Extension Specialist in Soil Fertility), and Alex Sawatzky (Assistant Director of Sustainable Agriculture) will talk about cover cropping, mulching, reduced and no-till, soil carbon amendment, conservation cover, and crop/livestock integration. Kimberly will also give an overview of the programs offered by NRCS that provide technical and financial assistance to farmers, including the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Organic Initiative.

northeast-mid-atlantic
Oct30

NOFA New Jersey – Technical Assistance Office Hour

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NOFA New Jersey

Online

Virtual

Join NOFA NJ via Zoom and receive focused support with your farm’s needs. Whatever you are working on, NOFA NJ’s Technical Assistance Coordinator will help and connect you to relevant experts in the community.

News

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NE TOPP Core Partners Attend MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair

October 04, 2024
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NW TOPP Program Mentor and Mentee

NW TOPP Stories

October 03, 2024
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Why Technical Note 12 Is Such a Big Deal

September 27, 2024
Read More
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Farmer-Led Trials Program

September 02, 2024
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New Toolkit Highlights How Organic Practices Lead the Way in Regenerative Agriculture

September 02, 2024
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OFRF Awarded USDA NRCS Cooperative Agreement

September 02, 2024
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National TOPP Meetings

September 02, 2024
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SE TOPP July 2024 News

August 22, 2024
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KOLO 8 News Feature – “UNR launches program to increase the number of organic farmers”

July 09, 2024
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Veteran Farmers of NJ Hosts Inaugural Veteran Farmer Rally Day at Fairgrown Farm

July 08, 2024
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Marketing Foraged Weeds on Organic Farms

July 08, 2024
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FH Organic Certification 2024 – 4

Vermont’s Food Hubs Achieve Organic Certification

June 05, 2024
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Hānai’Ai Quarterly Newsletter

May 09, 2024
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Quarterly Newsletter

May 08, 2024
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2023 TOPP WSW Region Public Report

May 01, 2024
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Presentation materials on organic basics

May 01, 2024
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SE TOPP News – Year 1 in Review

April 15, 2024
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Transition to Organic Partnership Program Releases Workforce Development Request for Proposal

April 03, 2024
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Success Story: MOA

March 19, 2024
Read More
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Success Story: Meeting of the Minds

March 19, 2024
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Q&A: Roz Lehman at Iowa Organic Association

March 19, 2024
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Q&A: Dr. Kathleen Delate at Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program

March 19, 2024
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Texas TOPP Newsletter February 2024

February 05, 2024
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AlaskaCornucopia

Alaska Food Policy Council Annual Conference

January 08, 2024
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Midwest TOPP Newsletter November 2023

November 30, 2023
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Organic Workforce Development

November 30, 2023
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Year In Review

November 30, 2023
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Transition to Organic Partnership Program Releases National TOPP Website

October 04, 2023
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Texas TOPP News October 2023

October 03, 2023
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Midwest TOPP Newsletter September 2023

September 20, 2023
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GROWING ORGANIC COMMUNITY

September 20, 2023
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INCLUDING NRCS IN YOUR TOPP PROJECTS

September 20, 2023
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Meet TOPP

September 20, 2023
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Transitioning to Organic Highlighted at Iowa Summer Field Days

September 20, 2023
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USDA Seeks Input on Organic Initiative and Market Development Grants

August 08, 2023
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Organic-Focused Education Paves the Way to Technical Skills

June 29, 2023
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USDA to Invest up to $300 million in New Organic Transition Initiative

August 22, 2022
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