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
Farmshare Austin
Cedar Creek, TX
Farmer Starter is a five month entry level immersive farmer training program on a working, certified organic, diversified vegetable farm designed to provide aspiring farmers with the essential skills and training needed to manage a sustainable farming business.
Center for Arkansas Farms and Food
9:00 am - 11:30 am (CST) | Fayetteville, Arkansas
This field day will highlight fertilizers from several local vendors. The day will include application demonstrations, side-by-side growth comparisons, and a cost breakdown. We will also discuss how the Illinois Watershed ruling impacts farmers in the local area.
This field day is free, but you are strongly encouraged to register.
NOFA-NH
Online
Interested in Organic Farming?
Are you curious about what it takes to grow under organic regulations? Want to better understand the organic standards or how your current practices might align?
Join our weekly online gathering for an open discussion and Q&A session! We’ll cover the basics of organic production, help you navigate the regulations, and explore what organic really means—and what it doesn’t.
Whether you’re just starting out or already using organic practices, this is a space to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with others on the journey. Everyone is welcome
NOFA/Mass
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm (EST) | Middleboro, MA
Join us at Benson’s Pond Farm for a look at building on-farm fertility through fermented plant & fruit inputs. This casual, educational and networking session will explore how these foliar fertilizers and amendments are made on-farm, applied, and tracked over time using both mineral and biological testing. We’ll dig into the methodology, pricing, and observed benefits after five years of use in a transitioning system: what’s changed, what’s worked, and what’s still evolving. Out in the bog, we’ll observe plant & soil conditions as indicators of biological activity and health.
We’ll touch on shared water considerations and the realities of moving toward organic certification, and close with time to connect, share experiences, and continue the conversation with fellow growers. This session is designed for fellow cranberry growers as well as anyone who is interested in developing on-farm fertility strategies rooted in biology.
Culinary Breeding Network
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm (PT) | Corvallis, OR
Join the OSU Dry Farming Project for a field day exploring the future of resilient, low-water agriculture.
Walk through dry-farmed crop trials and learn how researchers are evaluating crop performance under little to no irrigation. The field tour will highlight ongoing research on:
• Dry-farmed tomato variety trials exploring the relationship between plant physiology, productivity, and fruit quality
• Tomato drought-stress trials evaluating how different varieties respond to varying levels of water limitation
• Variety trials featuring sorghum, cowpeas, melons, okra, corn, cut flowers, and seed-production plots — offering a broader look at crop adaptation and performance in dry farming systems
Participants will also have the opportunity to taste a selection of varieties from the trials, including dry-farmed tomatoes, and experience firsthand how genetics and growing conditions influence flavor, texture, and quality.
Come connect with researchers, farmers, and community members working together to explore crops and practices for a changing climate.
FREE and open to the public.
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.
