Let’s Grow Organic Agriculture
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program, supports farms and producers in transitioning from conventional to organic with mentorship and organic farming 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 conventional farmers and producers transitioning to organic, boosts local economies, and expands market opportunities.
Six nationwide regions working together towards a common goal: to grow the network of organic farmers producers.
With TOPP, farmers and producers interested in or transitioning from conventional to organic will find support through the transition and organic certification process.
Mentorship, organic workshops and webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events offer opportunities to learn about organic farming principles, the benefits of organic production, the organic certification process, market opportunities, and more.
Find your region below to learn more about organic mentorship programs, events, and resources.
Join Our Organic Mentorship Program
The TOPP mentorship program connects you with experienced organic producers to help guide you during your transition to organic from conventional methods.
This proven program supports the transition process and creates a stronger network of organic producers across the United States.
For Mentees - Producers Transitioning To Organic
Transitioning producers gain support, guidance, and development through mentorship.
As a part of the program, conventional farms and producers changing to organic will receive free mentorship from an experienced organic producer. Mentors and transitioning producers will work together to set goals for the mentorship year, learn more about organic resources, opportunities and the certification process, and more.
For Mentors - Help Increase Organic Practices In The U.S.
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 farms and producers who are transitioning to organic, providing them with valuable insights, practical advice, and organic industry best practices.
All organic crop and organic livestock producers are welcome to apply! Mentorship training, time, and travel are paid.
Upcoming Events
Farmshare Austin
Cedar Creek, TX
Farmer Starter is a five month entry level immersive farmer training program on a working, certified organic, diversified vegetable farm designed to provide aspiring farmers with the essential skills and training needed to manage a sustainable farming business.
Intertribal Agricultural Council
Southern Ute, Ignacio, CO
Southwest Regional Summit
NOFA-NY
10:00 am - 3:00 pm (EST ) | Candor, NY
Join NOFA-NY, Organic Valley and Triple Creek Farm for a discussion on pasture soil nutrients, soil health and dairy cow health. We will discuss nutrient transport off our grass-fed dairy farms and what we need to do about that! We will cover minerals (ratios/ranges), plant health and possible inputs. After lunch, graciously provided by Organic Valley, we will head out to the pasture for a lively conversation about regrowth, species composition and how our nutrients or lack of can influence what grows in our pasture.
Maine Grain Alliance
12:00 pm (EST ) | Online
Are perennial grains a viable option for organic farms? Kernza, the first commercially available perennial grain, benefits soil ecology while yielding a harvestable grain crop for years after planting. It also produces high-quality straw that can grazed or baled as a dual-purpose forage crop. In this workshop, Cornell professor Matt Ryan will discuss the latest agronomic research on perennial grains like Kernza, as well as their current potential as a marketable food to consumers.
Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm (EST) | Putney, VT
Howard Prussack has been farming at this location since 1971. His farm was the first in Vermont to be certified organic, in 1976. He grows a dozen acres of certified organic vegetables in the field and has 30,000 sq. ft. of high tunnels. Sales are at Brattleboro farmers’ market and wholesale to coops and garden centers throughout New England, delivered by the farm’s trucks and through one distributor. The focus is on a few major crops: potted herbs, garlic, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and winter squash. Howard also grows some celery, ginger, and tumeric in tunnels. Cover crops, rotations, and various ground covers are used intensively. We’ll discuss marketing, tour the fields and tunnels, talk cover crops, and see the wash/pack/storage located in a refurbished barn. Howard will demonstrate his Tilmor Super-E electric cultivating tractor and describe its performance this past season.
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
Questions? Contact Us
Connect with a TOPP partner near you, and get the help and resources you need in your transition to organic.
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change shown through our Transition to Organic Partnership Program.
