Florida Organic Growers (FOG) - the Southeast Regional Lead for the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) - recently teamed up with Tuskegee University at its Annual Farmers Conference held March 28-31 to showcase ways that Tuskegee builds community, provides technical assistance, and is developing a future organic workforce. As a partner in the Southeast TOPP Region, Tuskegee recognized FOG as an organization whose work products and community outreach embody the goals of the USDA program. Tuskegee enthusiastically welcomed FOG to partner on this event and to get the word out about this important program.   

The Southeast Regional Lead presented on how USDA is using TOPP to support existing and transitioning organic farmers. Representatives from both FOG and Tuskegee co-led a presentation on the different kinds of products that qualify for USDA organic certification and the audit types conducted, and throughout the day, spent time at the research farm with conference attendees from Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Registered event participants included more than 560 farmers, ranchers, students, service providers and representatives from private industry, not-for-profits, Extension, and USDA. 

The conference also showcased student presentations supported by Tuskegee research and several sessions discussed different aspects of farming including urban agriculture and soil health management practices. The event concluded with a networking session that allowed farmers and service providers to spend time in community with one another.   

Florida Organic Growers was grateful for the opportunity to support Tuskegee at their conference and excited to build upon and strengthen the work Tuskegee is doing through the TOPP program.   

About the Transition to Organic Partnership Program  

The USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who will partner with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. USDA is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.  

Southeast Regional Lead Florida Organic Growers partners with organizations experienced in the organic industry to provide mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development for transitioning and existing organic farmers.