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.
Organic Association of Kentucky
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (EST) | Edmonton, Kentucky
In the spring of 1999, Robin Verson, a first-generation farmer, started work on her new 60-acre farm in Metcalfe County. Decades later, Robin and her family have grown Hill and Hollow Farm to 200+ acres of certified organic fields and pastures, a flock of heritage-breed wool sheep, barns and high tunnels. The farm is dedicated to nourishing their community through organic food, local fiber products and on-farm education and events.
Through the highs and lows of tending the land, growing a family, building community and educating others, the Hill and Hollow family has maintained its commitment to organic certification and the Community Supported Agriculture model.
Join this OAK Farmer Field Day to explore this story of longevity and resilience in organic farming as Robin shares her fields, pastures, barns, tunnels, and systems for food and fiber production.
Oregon State University Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm (PT) | Corvallis, OR
Tilth Alliance
Onalaska, WA
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Lubbock, TX
Hosted by Texas Tech University and a part of the Global Sorghum Association, an international organization dedicated to sorghum production and research
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.
