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
Georgia Organics, Rodale Institute, Global Growers Network, Oxford College Farm, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, and Georgia Organic Peanut Association (GOPA)
9:30 am - 2:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST))
The SE TOPP Georgia Partners are excited to announce a diverse line-up of educational farmer field days in 2026. Join us across the state to explore different production practices in our “Consider This…” series.
April 16, 2026 | “Consider Organic Co-Farming Production” at Global Growers Network Rockdale Organic Co-Farm (North GA)
April 24, 2026 | “Consider Organic Medicinal Herbs” at Stellar Roots Herb Farm (Northeast GA)
May 21, 2026 | “Consider Farmer Health and Closed Loop Farming Systems” at Comfort Farms (Middle GA)
June 29, 2026 | “Consider Organic Certification on a Diversified Vegetable Farm” at Oxford College Organic Farm (North GA)
July 10, 2026 | “Consider Organic Peanuts” at Chad Heard Farms (Southwest GA)
July 24, 2026 | “Consider Pasture to Plate on an Intergenerational Family Farm” at Berry Family Farm (Southeast GA)
Learn more and register at the link below.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Santa Cruz, CA
Two UTRGV Agroecology students will participate in the University of California, Santa Cruz Agroecology Summer Field Quarter, where they will engage in hands-on organic farming, visit diversified farms and partner organizations, and learn directly from producers, researchers, and educators working in sustainable agriculture. Beyond technical skills, the experience will expand students’ professional networks and expose them to innovative approaches that they can bring back to the Rio Grande Valley. By investing in experiential learning and workforce development, this partnership advances TOPP’s mission of strengthening the organic agriculture community through education, mentorship, and the development of future organic producers and agricultural professionals.
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (PT) | Online
Got Organic Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Join the CCOF Foundation online every Tuesday for a casual, interactive Q&A session all about organic. Whether you’re curious about organic certification, production, compliance, or need help with record keeping and paperwork, this space is for you!
Jamie Collins – organic farmer, inspector, and expert from Serendipity Farms – hosts these weekly sessions bringing, a hands-on producer perspective combined with deep regulatory know-how.
When & Where
🗓️Every Tuesday
🕐11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)
💻Via Zoom
All questions and experience levels welcome!
Learn more and join at https://ccof.org/events/
Contact organictransitionprogram@gmail.com for more info.
STATE LEAD: Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
9:00 am - 10:30 am (MT) | Online
Hosted by the ASU Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, this webinar is designed for agricultural producers and/or related stakeholders served through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
As farming can place a heavy mental load and stress on farmers, we hope this webinar will equip producers with tools and resources tailored to their needs. The webinar will be run by Monica Kramer McConkey, a renowned Rural Behavioral Health Counselor and Consultant.
Participants who attend will also have the opportunity for a one-on-one session post-webinar with Ms. Monica to address specific needs.
Rodale Institute
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm (EST)
You’ve transitioned to organic—or you’re considering it. What comes next?
Presented by Rodale Institute and the Organic Trade Association as part of the National Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), this webinar is designed for farmers thinking beyond certification. Transitioning to organic is one step; building a viable business around it is another.
Danielle and Steven of TendWell Farm will share how they approached that challenge. Danielle will walk through how they developed a brand, identified market opportunities, and explored value-added products and alternative revenue streams for their diversified vegetable system. She’ll also discuss a key but often under-addressed reality: while organic can command a price premium, capturing that value depends on clear positioning and a thoughtful market strategy.
This session is a practical conversation with farmers who have navigated these decisions. Come prepared to listen, ask questions, and consider how their experience might apply to your own operation.
This event 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
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.
