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
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
Online
Farmers in CAFF’s 2nd Organic Transition Cohort that were onboarded in Q1 are going through an internal 6 week training series to help them get started on their OSPs, determine what steps they need to take to implement organic transition, and make a plan with their CAFF staffer point of contact for our collaboration with them over the next year. TOPP funds are paying for simultaneously transitional of the sessions into Spanish for the three growers in the cohort that Spanish is their primary language.
March 25th: Certification Overview & Choosing a Certifier
April 1st: Understanding & Starting Your OSP
April 8th: Recordkeeping
April 15th: Additional OSP Sections
April 22nd: OSP Submission & Inspection Preparation
April 29th: Initial Inspection & Next Steps
Huerto de la Familia (or Plaza)
9:00 am - 4:00 pm (PT) | Eugene, OR
So much has grown in our greenhouse, so this all day workshop will be open to the community and garden members to stop by as they’re available to assist us in transplanting several culturally important plant varieties and regionally specific plant varieties grown in the greenhouse. Some of these plants ready to transplant are also donated plants from the Food for Lane County Youth Farm as well as the Bethel Farm.
Oregon State University Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems
9:00 am - 10:30 am (PT) | Corvallis, OR
Come walk through the winter grain plots! Check out the growth habits of different varieties of wheat, triticale, rye, and barley to see differences in vigor, plant height, heading date, and weed competition.
Berkeley Food Institute
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (PT) | Berkeley, CA
Join us on Thursday, April 16th from 3-5pm at the Oxford Tract for an Urban Organic Transition Workshop. Panelists will share their perspectives of organics, and create space for them to share the challenges they may face and the solutions they may have. Featuring Panelists: Yolanda Burrell, Pollinate Farm and Garden, Catherine de la Peña, NRCS, and Lucas Hill, Agriculture Institute of Marin. Event is open to all!
Florida Organic Growers
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (ET)
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.
Learn more and register on FOG’s website here.
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.
