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
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (PT) | Online
Curious about what it takes to transition your operation to organic? Or are you a newly certified producer with questions on how to stay in compliance? Just ask Jamie!
Join weekly Zooms with organic expert Jamie Collins of Serendipity Farms. Learn about organic certification, organic system plans (OSPs), how to get certified, and more. All questions and experience levels welcome! Se habla Español.
Join office hours any and every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to noon
Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89941176462?pwd=EGapsifPoPsOvOjCTGaOU1BruUKNdC.1
Meeting passcode: organic
Contact organictransitionprogram@gmail.com for more info.
Rodale Institute
9:00 am - 5:00 pm (CDT) | Sandusky, Ohio
Join Ohio State University and the Rodale Institute for the Organic Grower–Buyer Mixer, a dedicated space for meaningful buyer/seller discovery. This mixer brings together growers, sourcing teams, processors, and food and grain companies to connect, explore new partnerships, and discover high-quality organic ingredients.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, meet potential collaborators, or gain insight into today’s organic marketplace, this event offers valuable opportunities to build relationships and foster collaboration. 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).
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.
Michigan TOPP, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
Virtual
Apply by January 7 for Michigan’s Organic Inspector Training – an 8-week online training that you can complete following your own schedule (January 22 – March 19, 2026).
Inspector mentees will be connected with an experienced inspector for support during the training. Participants will be required to complete assignments, participate in two farm visits, and complete mock audits.
Application Deadline:
Wednesday, January 7th, 11:59 PM. Applicants will be notified about acceptance by Tuesday, January 12th.
DATA: Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
9:00 am - 12:00 pm (MT) | Phoenix, AZ
We are bringing together existing and emerging organic growers to form a producer cooperative designed to strengthen your collective voice, streamline sourcing, expand marketing opportunities, and build a shared, skilled workforce.
To introduce the vision, benefits, and requirements of forming this cooperative, we invite you to join our two-part information and planning series:
Part 2: In-Person Workshop (register here)
January 8 at Emerald Root Farm Collective from 9:00-12:00 pm
A three-hour hands-on session hosted by the cooperative’s ideators—Patrice Bettison-Clark, Rachel Opio, and Sharrona Moore—focused on next steps and collaborative planning.
The facilitation team has led cooperative development efforts across Arizona for the past five years, supporting producers through every stage of forming and operating successful cooperatives.
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.
