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.
Snake River Seed Cooperative
Multiple, ID
We’re hitting the road again this July to convene with our friends in the north and get seedy together! Come join us at any or all of these seedy events!
Thursday, July 16th 5-6:30pm Organic Seed Saving 101 class at the East Bonner Library Garden in Sandpoint, Idaho!
Saturday, July 18th 10-11:30am Organic Seed Saving 101 class at New Leaf Nursery in Hayden, Idaho!
Saturday, July 18th 2pm Organic Seed Saving 101 class at Northwest Seed & Pet (Sprague Location) in Spokane, Washington!
Sunday, July 19th 10am-1pm Field Day at Affinity Farm in Moscow, Idaho! Potluck following tour. If you want to participate, bring a dish and your own chair!
Monday, July 20th (9am-11am) Organic Seed Saving 101 class with Soil Stewards Farm at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. Please bring a chair!
Taproots Farm Hub
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (PT) | Garden City, ID
Our monthly Taproots Workshop on Leasing Organic Farming brings together landowners, producers, aspiring producers, and other community stakeholders to build momentum and make progress on bringing the Taproots Farm Hub to fruition and build stronger networks in the organic and local food movement in our region. Participants share best practices in organic production and transition and build connections between beginning and experienced producers.
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (PT) | Online
Got Organic Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Join the CCOF Foundation online every Tuesday for a casual, interactive Q&A session all about organic. Whether you’re curious about organic certification, production, compliance, or need help with record keeping and paperwork, this space is for you!
Jamie Collins – organic farmer, inspector, and expert from Serendipity Farms – hosts these weekly sessions bringing, a hands-on producer perspective combined with deep regulatory know-how.
When & Where
🗓️Every Tuesday
🕐11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)
💻Via Zoom
All questions and experience levels welcome!
Learn more and join at https://ccof.org/events/
Contact organictransitionprogram@gmail.com for more info.
Holley Family Farms
10:00 am - 3:30 pm (PT) | Reno, NV
The event will include tours of Desert Farming Initiative (DFI), Ripcord Farm incubator at DFI, Prema Farm, and Mtn. Mushrooms. Farms will offer a brief tour, and share insight on why they chose to certify. This gives co-op buyers and staff an opportunity to see and better understand the who what, where, how and why of organic production at these farms. Lunch will be provided, and over lunch, Rob Holley of Holley Family Farms will share his family’s history and perspective on organic certification and livestock production.
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.
