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
Rodale Institute
9:00 am - 5:00 pm (CDT) | Sandusky, Ohio
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).
DATA: Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
9:00 am - 12:00 pm (MT) | Phoenix, AZ
We are bringing together existing and emerging organic growers to form a producer cooperative designed to strengthen your collective voice, streamline sourcing, expand marketing opportunities, and build a shared, skilled workforce.
To introduce the vision, benefits, and requirements of forming this cooperative, we invite you to join our two-part information and planning series:
Part 2: In-Person Workshop (register here)
January 8 at Emerald Root Farm Collective from 9:00-12:00 pm
A three-hour hands-on session hosted by the cooperative’s ideators—Patrice Bettison-Clark, Rachel Opio, and Sharrona Moore—focused on next steps and collaborative planning.
The facilitation team has led cooperative development efforts across Arizona for the past five years, supporting producers through every stage of forming and operating successful cooperatives.
Florida Organic Growers
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (ET)
Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) 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.
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.
Don’t miss out – register here!
Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture
8:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST) | St. Cloud, Minnesota
Bringing organic farmers together for over 20 years!
The Minnesota Organic Conference offers learning and networking opportunities for people new to organic production as well as folks who are old hands at it. We welcome farmers, researchers, educators, consultants, advisors, businesspeople, and anyone else who wants to learn more about organic agriculture. The educational program is complemented by an 80+ vendor tradeshow.
VABF
Roanoke, VA
The Virginia Biological Farming Conference brings together farmers, gardeners, consumers, educators, industry professionals, and advocates of sustainable, regenerative, biological, and organic agriculture.
The 2026 Conference includes:
- 8 optional pre-conference intensive workshops on Friday
- 56 concurrent sessions on Saturday and Sunday with over 60 speakers
- Locally-sourced farm meals prepared with ingredients purchased from local & member farms
- Up to 50 agricultural tradeshow exhibitors
- Multiple networking opportunities
Conference highlights include a youth and teen program for ages 6-13, a local farm tour, a silent auction, and the popular ‘Farming is Funny’ Comedy Show. This year’s event also features a Buyer-Grower social, fireside chats, morning yoga for farmers, and book sales with author signings. The renowned Taste of Virginia Expo & Market is a popular space within the Conference to enjoy samples and sales of Virginia food, beverages and handicrafts.
All Conference registrations include breakfast, lunch, and refreshments on Saturday and Sunday, each meal thoughtfully prepared with local ingredients contributed by our own VABF members farms. Pre-Conference attendees are also offered a lunch buffet for an additional cost during registration.
News
FY24 In-Person TOPP Events Heatmap
View TOPP’s 2024 in-person event locations and the educational programs that supported organic and transitioning farmers nationwide.
This Story Map was created by:
Find Out More
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change.
