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.
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.
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.
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!
Upcoming Events
Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture, OCIA-MN, Chapter 1
9:00 am - 12:00 pm (CST) | Alexandria, Minnesota
Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a USDA educational and outreach program that focuses on supporting growers who want to gain USDA organic certification. The program is set up to provide support in a few ways:
- Connecting transitioning growers with mentors who are already USDA Organic certified
- Build mentoring networks for insight and advice
- Continued help for growers following certification
Speakers for the event will be Meg Moynihan, MN Dept. of Agriculture (Managing Farm Stress) Noreen Thomas, Doubting Thomas Farms (Layering your farm’s income), Robin Brekken (25 Years of Organic Production – What would you like to know?), and a NRCS speaker (invited).
For questions or more information, contact Helene Murray with the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture: murra021@umn.edu.
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
12:00 pm - 2:00 am (PT) | Online
Join CAFF, UC OAI, and UCCE for a 10-week webinar series designed to help farmers transition to certified organic production. Each session is held weekly on Wednesdays, featuring a 75-minute presentation and discussion, followed by optional office hours for deeper conversation and one-on-one support.
Week 4 – February 4
Allowed Inputs and Materials and Biodiversity Conservation
Determining what products are allowed and what input records to keep. Farm practices that maintain and improve biodiversity and natural resources.
Speakers: Jamie Collins, Owner of Serendipity Farms and Organic Inspector and Jo Ann Baumgartner, Executive Director of Wild Farm Alliance
NOFA-NY
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (EST) | Online
Every Wednesday, we host a technical assistance call in hour!
Bring your questions to our Education Team for an open discussion.
NOFA-NH
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (EST) | 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 us every Wednesday at 1PM for an open discussion and Q&A session! We’ll answer your questions first, then we can cover the basics of organic production, help you navigate the regulations, and explore what organic really means—and what it doesn’t. Bring
questions.
Whether you’re just starting out or already using organic practices, want to know about the organic food you eat, this is a space to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with others on the journey. Register at
nofanh.org/TOPP Everyone is welcome!
Rodale Institute
9:30 am - 5:00 pm (CDT) | Champaign, Illinois
Join us at the 2026 Organic Grain Conference for an engaging Organic Markets Workshop designed to help producers, sourcing teams, processors, and food companies navigate the evolving organic marketplace. This interactive session will focus on buyer–seller discovery, emerging market opportunities, and strategies for building strong, transparent relationships across the supply chain.
Whether you’re looking to broaden your network, explore new channels, or better understand what today’s organic markets demand, this workshop will provide practical insights and meaningful connections to support your success.
Event location, timing, and participating vendors will be announced soon — stay tuned for more details.
This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).
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
Impact Report: Two Years of Progress
A story of collective action, meaningful partnerships, and measurable change.
