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
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Santa Cruz, CA
Two UTRGV Agroecology students will participate in the University of California, Santa Cruz Agroecology Summer Field Quarter, where they will engage in hands-on organic farming, visit diversified farms and partner organizations, and learn directly from producers, researchers, and educators working in sustainable agriculture. Beyond technical skills, the experience will expand students’ professional networks and expose them to innovative approaches that they can bring back to the Rio Grande Valley. By investing in experiential learning and workforce development, this partnership advances TOPP’s mission of strengthening the organic agriculture community through education, mentorship, and the development of future organic producers and agricultural professionals.
CCOF LLC
10:30 pm - 12:30 am (PT) | Online
Training to develop new Organic Handler Inspectors
CCOF LLC
12:00 am - 12:00 am (PT) | Online
A comprehensive online training course designed to train new Organic Handler Inspectors. This course is ideal for qualified applicants seeking to enter the field of organic inspection or strengthen their knowledge of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations.
CCOF’s Organic Inspector training includes classroom-style online lectures, pre-course work, and weekly assignments. Courses are designed to equip participants with the regulatory knowledge, technical skills, and professional understanding needed to begin a career as an Organic Inspector.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
San Marcos, TX
learning, sharing knowledge, and exploring useful resources
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX
During the upcoming quarter, staff and students will attend a regional agriculture conference to support professional development and strengthen partnerships. UTRGV’s Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA) will host an outreach table highlighting our programs and TOPP resources while connecting with producers, educators, and partner organizations. The conference will also provide opportunities to recruit prospective graduate students, expose undergraduate students to internships and career pathways, and strengthen collaborations that support organic agriculture education throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
