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.
Michigan State University Extension
Virtual
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension invites you to participate in the 2025 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference to be held virtually Feb. 27-March 7, 2025. This unique event encompasses many aspects of the agricultural industry.
This two-week long virtual educational experience features tracks focused on animal agriculture, crop production, fruit and vegetable production, food preservation, irrigation and drainage, and beginning farmers.
Sessions will be held using the Zoom platform. More detailed information can be found on the MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference website with more information being added regularly. Visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/miagideas/.
There is no cost to register, but pre-registration is required. Registered attendees will receive access to attend as many sessions as they would like. They will receive the full schedule, with all of the zoom links.
Florida Organic Growers
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (EST)
Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free “organic office hours”!
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you’re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process.
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.
Don’t miss out – register here!
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
12:00 am - 12:00 am | Edinburg, TX
Overview the beekeeping process, enhance crop pollination
Viva Farms
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (PT) | Mount Vernon, WA
A bilingual (Spanish-English) conference and field day hosted by Viva Farms including four sessions: Funding Your Farm, Cash Flow Budget Basics, Integrated Pest Management and Ecology, and Tillage and Mechanical Cultivation Tools Highlight. A poster is available but I don’t see where to upload it here.
News
