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
Berkeley Food Institute
Berkeley, CA
BFI will be holding a resume building workshop to help undergraduate and graduate students better communicate their professional, life, and academic experiences in the food system workforce. No matter where you are in your career journey, we welcome you to join us on April 9th from 5-7 PM in 260 Mulford Hall, RCNR Advisor Lounge for a discussion about best practices and small group review with experts in the field to make you a stronger candidate for the opportunities you seek out. Dinner will be provided. Space will be limited to UC Berkeley students.
Georgia Organics
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST)) | ZOOM
Join, SE TOPP Partner, RAFI on April 9th at 6pm ET for a webinar featuring, an organic farmer. Are you interested in becoming a certified organic farmer but don’t know if it’s worth it?
Holly Whitesides of Against the Grain Farm. With over 14 years of experience as an organic farmer, Holly will be sharing her successes, challenges, and overall journey to becoming organic certified and maintaining the certification.
Holly Whitesides is the co-owner of Against the Grain Farm located in the mountains of Zionville, NC where she farms alongside her husband, Andy Bryant. Holly and Andy purchased the land that is now Against the Grain in 2012 and have been there ever since. The 35-acre farm certified organic and biodynamic farm grows a wide variety of vegetables and raises livestock.
This event is made possible with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
Learn more and register at the link below.
Florida Organic Growers
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (ET)
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.
Michigan TOPP
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (EST) | Virtual
Explore reduced‑tillage systems that build soil health, improve weed management, and strengthen climate resilience on organic farms. James will share findings from ongoing research—including surprising insights from tarping trials and the importance of timing when applying and removing tarps. Other farmers may join to offer on‑farm perspectives on reduced‑tillage, tarping and soil health.
Maine Grain Alliance
10:00 am - 11:30 am (EST) | Online
Farming is a busy way-of-life. After growing, harvesting, and processing your crops into retail-ready food products, finding the time to develop effective package designs and marketing strategies isn’t always easy.
In this webinar, Karen Getz (co-founder of Maine Crisp) will overview the fundamentals of branding, marketing, and selling farm-made retail products — from the farmer’s market to the grocery store shelf!
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.
