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
OFRF Farmer-Led Trials Applications Open
OFRF
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.
Urban Farms: Certifying Organic, One Step at a Time
Grow Pittsburgh
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (EST) | Garden Dreams: 806 Holland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA
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.
Organic Office Hours
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (PST) | Online
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.
Soil Health, Fertility, and Conservation Workshop
Rutgers University - Rutgers Gardens
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (EST) | 130 Log Cabin Rd., New Brunswick, NJ
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.
NOFA New Jersey – Technical Assistance Office Hour
NOFA New Jersey
Online
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.
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