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.
Georgia Organics
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (EST) | Online
Join Georgia Organics on Monday, August 24 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. for the official launch of the Organic Input Guide for the Southeast: How to Source and Choose Allowable Inputs.
In this webinar, you will walk through the Organic Input Guide recently published and answer any questions you have about organic input sourcing in the Southeast. The Guide was developed with the support of Georgia farmers who provided their organic input sources and suppliers for inclusion in the Guide.
Come join us and learn how to best utilize the new Organic Input Guide for your farm!
Organic Seed Alliance
12:00 am (PT) | Portland, OR
We are still awaiting confirmation from our partner farmers
Alaska Food Policy Council
12:00 pm - 1:30 am | Anchorage, AK
This hybrid workshop features hydroponics technical experts and Alaska growers to discuss organic certification for hydroponics, share practical lessons from the field, and explore policy and program ideas that reflect on‑the‑ground realities. Speakers TBD.
NOFA VT
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (EST) | Salem, NY
Diversity can be a powerful approach to increasing farm resilience. Adding agroforestry systems to your farm can diversify enterprises, provide alternative fodder, improve soil health, and increase water quality and resilience.
Join Breadtree Farms, who manages 800 acres in the Upper Hudson Valley and Southwest Vermont, to learn how they are stewarding 20,000+ food-producing trees and shrubs—including chestnut, hickory, oak, seaberry, apple, pear, mulberry, and persimmon—in orchards grazed by sheep and cattle.
Together, we’ll tour their multi-function landscapes, hear about their ongoing research projects, and learn about their mission to bolster food sovereignty and security, while fostering healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and sequestering carbon.
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.
