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.

WHAT’S NEW

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.

Read the Full Report

TOPP Impact Report

Download

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.

Apply Now

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!

Apply Now

Upcoming Events

Michigan TOPP

Virtual

Get practical guidance from an experienced farmer on one of the first steps in organic certification – filling out your Organic System Plan. Sarah will also discuss organic recordkeeping must include—and how to set up a system that’s manageable, efficient, and helpful for your business.
Topics include:

See an example of an Organic System Plan from Good Stead Farm
Hot tips on what to do to write YOUR Organic System Plan
Farmer-friendly recordkeeping options
Info on how to choose a certifier, so you can get started on your OSP
How to connect with a mentor and the TOPP to start on your organic transition journey

Learn More

VABF and WV Food and Farm

Shepardstown, WV

In-Person

From Soil Health to Shelf: Build Your Soil. Build Your Brand – April 3–4 as a free, hands-on, market-driven gathering designed for farmers, food producers, and food system leaders ready to grow stronger operations from the ground up. This conference brings together growers exploring organic and regenerative practices, value-added producers developing products such as jams, maple syrup, honey, and specialty foods, and buyers and partners seeking to source high-quality regional goods. Through practical sessions and real-world strategies, attendees will gain tools to improve soil health, strengthen farm systems, build compelling brands, and confidently expand into wholesale and cooperative markets. Including a Curated Tasting Experience Celebrating The Artisan Makers of Appalachia.

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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.

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Rodale Institute

9:00 am - 6:00 pm (CST) | Alma, AR

In-Person

Join us for an organic field day at the University of Arkansas Vegetable Research Station from 9:00-3:00 pm followed by an Arkansas Grown Organic Buyer/Seller Mixer at 4:30 pm. This event brings together farmers, buyers, and manufacturers from across the state to engage in meaningful discussions about strengthening Arkansas-grown organic products and expanding opportunities within our local and regional markets. Through open dialogue, field insights, and relationship-building, we’llexplore how to better support one another across the supply chain — from seed to shelf.

Whether you’re growing, sourcing, distributing, or developing Arkansas organic products, this Buyer Tour and Mixer is designed to spark new partnerships, share innovative ideas, and shape the next chapter of agriculture in our state.

Come network at our Mixer at 4:30 PM at Fort Smith Brewing Company in Fort Smith.

This event is for organic farmers, those transitioning, and those who are curious about organic production, and organic buyers. Come ready to connect, contribute, and collaborate — the future of Arkansas agriculture starts here.