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.
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST)) | Turkey Hill Farm 3546 Baum Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309
Join SE TOPP partner, NCAT, for a hands-on workshop with Turkey Hill Farm designed to help beginning and experienced farmers build healthier soils, improve crop productivity, and strengthen their farm business.
During this interactive workshop, participants will learn:
- Healthy soil principles and why they matter
- Composting basics and how to make quality compost
- Cover cropping strategies for weed suppression, fertility, and soil protection
Marketing strategies to help increase profitability and connect with customers
Whether you’re growing vegetables, fruits, or diversified crops, you’ll leave with practical skills and resources you can immediately apply to your operation.
Lunch will be provided. Please wear comfortable shoes appropriate for outdoor activities and bring a hat or other sun protection.
Please contact Gabriella Soto-Velez, gabriellas@ncat.org, with any questions.
Florida Organic Growers
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (ET) | Online
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.
NOFA VT
10:00 am - 1:00 pm (EST) | Highgate Center, VT
This interactive workshop at Choiniere Family Farm will introduce practical strategies for improving biodiversity on working farms using a newly developed field guide for organic producers.
With expertise from farmers and in partnership with Audubon VT, participants will be introduced to a best practices tool and accompanying field guide to assess and enhance habitat on their farms for birds and other wildlife.
Presenters will share real-world experience, including approaches to supporting wildlife habitat and managing invasive non-native plants. The farm tour will focus on soil health and pasture regeneration, highlighting regenerative grazing and soil-building practices that support productivity, water quality, and biodiversity outcomes.
CT NOFA
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (EST ) | Online
Under the tutelage of CT NOFA Soil Health Program Manager, Monique Bosch, Soil Health 3-Ways participants will attend three virtual classes (via Zoom) that cover the three main properties of soil – physical, chemical, and biological – in the lead-up to an in-person, practical application class. This 4-class course is intended for both commercial farmers and home gardeners to help them work with nature to produce healthy plants and nutrient-dense food.
A single registration for this event includes access to all four classes in the course (descriptions, dates, and times detailed below). Zoom links for the virtual classes will be provided after registration. Attendance is limited to 22 participants.
Physical Properties (virtual) – September 10th, 6:00pm-7:30pm
You will learn to interpret what type of soil and conditions you are working with, using simple tools and methods. We will explore management practices for best structure, texture, and tilth. Understanding the physical properties of soil will help with many aspects of soil health that are often ignored. Rather than relying just on a chemical soil test, physical testing will give us a better understanding of the actual make-up of our soils. This class will give you the ability to use simple tools to perform physical tests on soil to determine compaction, soil texture, structure and permeability.
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.
