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
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
Online
Farmers in CAFF’s 2nd Organic Transition Cohort that were onboarded in Q1 are going through an internal 6 week training series to help them get started on their OSPs, determine what steps they need to take to implement organic transition, and make a plan with their CAFF staffer point of contact for our collaboration with them over the next year. TOPP funds are paying for simultaneously transitional of the sessions into Spanish for the three growers in the cohort that Spanish is their primary language.
March 25th: Certification Overview & Choosing a Certifier
April 1st: Understanding & Starting Your OSP
April 8th: Recordkeeping
April 15th: Additional OSP Sections
April 22nd: OSP Submission & Inspection Preparation
April 29th: Initial Inspection & Next Steps
Red Acre Center
UT
Spring Meetups are farm tours or similar activities. At each meeting those who attend get introduced to the center and the resources that it has to offer.
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
12:00 am - 12:00 am | Edinburg, TX
The Food Summit is an upcoming regional convening, now 4th annual, that brings together farmers, ranchers, educators, community organizations, and institutional partners to strengthen collaboration across the Rio Grande Valley food system. The event serves as a space to share progress, align efforts, and elevate community-driven solutions around local food production, conservation, and procurement. By fostering dialogue and partnership across sectors, the summit aims to inspire collective action and support the continued development of a more connected, resilient, and locally rooted food system.
The Land Connection
10:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST) | Paxton, Illinois
Are you a woman who owns farmland? Whether you are certified organic, in the process of transitioning, or simply curious about ecological practices, this event is for you.
Join TLC for a special networking event built for women landowners! This is your space to connect with a powerful community of women who share your values and your commitment to the soil. The decisions you make for your land send ripples through our food system, our soil, and our communities.
This event will open conversations about the tools and pathways that support you in your stewardship, ensuring the long-term health and legacy of your land. In addition to discussing organic certification, we’re pleased to have The Land Conservancy of McHenry County with us. They’ll be available throughout the event to answer any questions you have about conservation easements and how these tools can preserve farmland for generations to come. Alongside these resources, participants will learn about the peer-to-peer support opportunities available through the IDEA Farm Network, Illinois Women in Conservation (ILWiC), and the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
Cost: $15 – SPACE IS LIMITED
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.
