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
Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CST) | Online or Curtiss Hall in Ames, Room 13
The Iowa State University Organic Agriculture program offers a 16 week course, ” Organic Agriculture Theory and Practice Course,” to provide an understanding of the historical origins and ecological theories behind the practices related to organic agriculture.
This course offers an interdisciplinary examination of organic crop and livestock production and socio-economic processes and policies in organic agriculture from researcher and producer perspectives.
PCO
10:00 am - 11:00 am (EST) | Online
Join us on this webinar to review the basics of organic certification. Demystifying Organic Certification will answer questions for those new to organic including: What does it mean to be certified organic? What are the steps in organic certification? Is certification right for me?
Preregistration is required.
University of Wisconsin Organic Collaborative
8:00 am (CST) | Madison, WI
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Organic Collaborative is excited to announce that registration is open for the Harvest of Ideas: Organic Agriculture as a Solution to Global Challenges event at the Pyle Center on April 8 and 9, 2025.
The incredible lineup of speakers from around the world will share and document ways in which organic agricultural practices continue to support our land, our livestock, our wildlife, our water, our economies and our communities.
Participants will also discuss ways to coordinate research and existing data among countries and share the gains and challenges of different types of policy models.
To learn more and to register please go to: https://uworganic.wisc.edu/event/harvest-of-ideas/
**Space is limited to 100 attendees so hoping folks register early. Due to our generous donor, we are able to keep the registration fees to a scale of $30-$80 for the 2-day conference.
Oregon State University Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems
10:00 am - 2:30 pm (PT) | Aurora, OR
This hands-on event will explore cover crop termination and incorporation strategies tailored for vegetable farms, featuring:
· Field Walks – Assess cover crop growth, biomass, nodulation, and cold injury.
· Equipment Demonstrations (exact format weather dependent) – See different termination and incorporation techniques in action.
· PAN Sampling & Nutrient Management – Learn how to incorporate cover crop decomposition into your fertility plan.
· Farmer Panel Discussion – Hear from experienced farmers.
Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (MT) | Online
Join the Swette Center TOPP Data Team for an office hour session on Quarterly Reporting. Come get your questions answered and hear updates from our team.
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