About the Transition to Organic Partnership

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a collaborative effort created by the United States Agricultural Department (USDA) and partner organizations from across the country. The Program provides support for transitioning and existing organic farmers.

Partner organizations such as USU serve to connect farmers with mentors, provide training, and help farmers overcome financial and technical challenges during the organic certification process. The USU program will also provide community-building workshops and field day trainings on topics such as certification, rules and regulations, marketing, and conservation planning.

The TOPP partnership network covers six regions:  Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest. TOPP regions are set geographically and form a mix of states that are well-represented in organic and states that are currently underserved. The West/Southwest region is coordinated by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).

The map below shows many of the organizations establishing the partnership network for transitioning and existing organic farmers. The partnerships provide mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development.