Let's Go Organic
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources.
We are six regions working together nationwide towards a common goal:
to grow the network of organic producers.
With TOPP, producers transitioning to organic will find support through the transition and certification process. Mentorship, workshops, webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production, the certification process, market opportunities, and more.
Find your region below to learn more about mentorship, events, and resources.
Join Our Mentorship Program
The TOPP mentorship program builds connections between experienced organic producers and producers transitioning to organic, supports the transition process, and creates a stronger network of organic producers across the United States.
For Mentees
Transitioning producers gain support, guidance, and development through mentorship.
As a transitioning producer you will receive free mentorship from an experienced organic producer. Mentors and transitioning producers will work together to set goals for the mentorship year and will form a strong network of organic producers across the region.
For Mentors
Mentors play a crucial role in helping new organic producers succeed while growing the organic movement.
As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to guide and support producers who are transitioning to organic, providing them with valuable insights, practical advice, and industry best practices. Mentorship training, time, and travel are paid. All crop and livestock producers are welcome to apply!
Upcoming Events
Virtual Coffee Hour: Organic Grain Farming for Soil Health from SE Nebraska to NE Kansas
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (CST) | Online
To help foster community building and provide technical assistance to farmers Rodale Institute Consulting Services will host monthly virtual “coffee hours” for 6-months. We believe that the frequency, open structure, and small-mid size of the group will be conducive to deep and meaningful conversations.
57th Annual Vermont Maple Festival
St. Albans, VT
A spring tradition continues with the Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans, VT. There is so much to see, taste and do at this year’s event!
Stop by the St. Albans City School Saturday and Sunday mornings for a pancake breakfast! Visit a local sugarhouse on a sugarhouse tour! Buses leave throughout the day. Free music on the Main Street Stage!
Organic Office Hours
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (EDT) | Online
Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff for free “organic office hours”! This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you’re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. Register for the Teams meeting through the provided link below and join us for an informative session!
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6ea79ff4-fb04-441e-a595-1c216c5a2054@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4
Questions? Contact setopp@foginfo.org
These office hours 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).
Safe and Efficient Water Management
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (EST) | Russo's Roots Farm: Canterbury, CT
Too much water? Not enough water? Climate change in Connecticut continues to impact farms every year and incorporating different water management techniques can mean the difference between a successful season and not. Libby from Russo’s Roots will go over the different water management techniques used on their farm, water sources, using timers for watering, and the different nozzles they use when doing overhead watering. We’ll also touch on what hasn’t worked in the past and changes they’d like to make in the future.
Organic TA Office Hours
10:00 am - 11:00 am (CST) | Zoom
Farmers in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, join NCAT’s Organic TA Office Hours to get answers to your questions! The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is offering farmers free Technical Assistance each month over Zoom. Join NCAT staff online to ask questions about transitioning to organic and certification, developing your Organic System Plans (OSPs), and more.
Register in advance through Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpcu2ppjosG9X-9IfwFXSjBvZgewME5z8U
Questions? Contact Felicia Bell at feliciab@ncat.org.
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