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
MOFGA
Portland, ME
MOFGA’s Farmer to Farmer Conference is known for its intimacy, in-depth treatment of topics and profound discussions. The conference offerings are based on the idea that farmers learn best from their peers and other practitioners. Conference speakers include prominent and accessible university faculty, extension educators and other agricultural professionals. Our unique workshop session format presents talks by both agricultural service professionals and farmers, and then opens up to a farmer discussion that explores both the unique and common experiences of everyone in the room.
Learn from and engage with speakers who are farmers and service providers, including peers and mentors from across Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and more!
Powell-Palm Ag Services
3:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Cheyenne, WY
The High Plains Organic Conference is a gathering of farmers, researchers, educators, processors, and buyers focused on advancing organic agriculture in the High Plains region. Over two days, the conference features sessions on soil health, organic certification, new crop rotations, marketing strategies, and organic meat markets. New this year is a particular focus on small scale livestock production, vegetable production and value added sales marketing.
Rodale Institute
9:00 am - 10:00 am (MST)
Start the High Plains Organic Conference with connection! Our Buyers Showcase brings organic buyers to the front of the room to share who they are, what they source, and how they work with producers. With time for questions and conversation, this session sets the tone for two days of relationship-building across the organic marketplace—from farmers and buyers to the partners who support them.
The Land Connection
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (CST) | Virtual
Get an inside look at what a full year of organic grain farming really looks like. Hans Bishop of PrairiErth Farm and Seneca Murley, Farm Manager at Clarkson Farm, will walk through the rhythms, decisions, and workloads that shape their seasons, one focused on food-grade grains and one working with commodity markets. Come see how two farms navigate planning, planting, management, and harvest in very different systems.
University of Hawaii
HI
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:
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Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change.
