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
University of Minnesota Extension
8:30 am - 4:30 pm (CST) | Dayton, Minnesota
Join the University of Minnesota-Extension for a two-day, hands-on workshop to learn about using your time and space efficiently on your farm. Improve your farming skills to grow and sell more high-quality vegetables for wholesale, farm to school, and cooperative markets. Space is limited. Register early to secure a spot!
Red Acre Center
Cedar City , UT
January 15 – 17, the 10th annual Utah Farm and Food Conference, “From the Ground Up”, will gather more than 300 farmers, ranchers, gardeners, biodynamic practitioners, permaculturists, educators, students, activists, chefs, seed geeks, foodies, and homesteaders from Utah and neighboring states. The conference will inspire learning, engaging, exploring, sharing, questioning, connecting, reflection, camaraderie, and reverence as a vibrant community gathers over three days. Our minds and hearts will be opened, souls and spirits will be nourished, and our wills will be strengthened to continue the sacred work of stewarding land, growing food, building local food economies, and cultivating relationships.
Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network
1:00 pm - 12:00 pm (CST) | Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, Alabama
The Food & Farm Forum is ASAN’s flagship annual event—a dynamic, hands-on gathering that brings together Alabama’s most passionate farmers, food advocates, educators, and community leaders. For over a decade, this transformative weekend has served as the cornerstone of Alabama’s sustainable agriculture movement, fostering knowledge exchange, building lasting partnerships, and strengthening the networks that nourish our communities.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama, the Forum creates an inspiring environment where experienced growers share wisdom with newcomers, innovative techniques are demonstrated in real-world settings, and meaningful relationships are forged around shared meals.
Come ready to learn, share, and grow together — because a more just, resilient, and sustainable food system starts with all of us.
Registration is free but required.
NOC
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm (ET)
Across the country, the number of certified organic operations has begun to shift in ways that warrant closer attention. While new operations continue to enter organic each year, the sector has experienced a net loss of certified operations within the crops and livestock scopes over the past several years. Understanding these dynamics is essential for supporting farm viability and strengthening organic food and farm systems.
This session will take a data-focused look at national trends using the Organic Integrity Database (OID) and certifier-reported information to help answer key questions: Who is exiting organic certification? Where are these changes occurring? What types of operations appear most affected? Presenters will share the latest available data, highlight what we know, and identify the gaps in information that limit our understanding of why these shifts are occurring.
We’ll also discuss how the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) can help strengthen farm viability and what additional policy levers may be needed to support farmers and protect organic integrity.
DATA: Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
1:30 pm - 4:00 pm (MT) | Cedar City, UT
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.
