Become or Get a Farmer Mentor

Become a Mentor

Request a Mentor

A team at Utah State University Extension is partnering with the USDA “Transition to Organic Production Program.” The USU Transition to Organic (TOP) Team will help Utah farmers transition to USDA certified organic by offering technical support, education, and creating local community groups.

One part of this program is to create a Mentor system that connects experienced certified organic farmers with local farmers who are looking to become certified.

The Role of a Mentor

  • Mentors will be paid $3,000 per year for your role in this effort. You may elect to be a mentor for one to five years (until December 2027).
  • To qualify, your farm must be USDA certified organic.
  • The USU TOP Team will help connect you with up to 5 mentee farmers.
  • Mentors will conduct an on-farm visit with each mentee at the start of mentorship, and thereafter, respond to their questions with practical knowledge and connect mentees to resources to help them succeed.
  • The TOP Team and others will provide mentor training and resources. This includes meeting with the team coordinator at your farm at the start of the program, one virtual training session per year, and one lunch meeting per year (rotating locations) with the team and other Mentors from across the state (travel expenses will be covered). The team will also provide training to mentees.
  • The TOP Team coordinator will work hand in hand with mentors, gather progress updates, and help form regional organic grower groups throughout the state of Utah. Regional organic grower groups will provide a place to get answers and a sense of community for organic growers and those interested in transitioning to certified organic production.

How to Participate

If you are interested in mentoring other farmers who are working toward transitioning to organic certification, please fill out this application form.

If you have any questions or would like more information, contact one of us.

Request a Mentor

To request a mentor, please contact one of us or submit your information above by clicking the 'Request a Mentor' button and we will do our best to make the connection