Photo: NOP TOPP Project Managers Rebecca Claypool and Penny Zuck celebrated TOPP’s first year with regional and national leads at this year's TOPP partners meeting.  

As the USDA Organic Transition Initiative’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) marks its first birthday, the National Organic Program (NOP), TOPP national and regional leads, and more than 180 state-level partners are celebrating the success of all that has happened to grow organic in just one year. 

Through TOPP, two national and six regional leads have reached more than 15,000 people through 222 separate events held across the United States. Their partnerships with local organizations have contributed to the development of free educational resources, technical assistance workshops, organic workforce training, and mentorship programs pairing experienced organic producers with farmers interested in transitioning to organic.   

NOP is excited about how the program will continue to support U.S. farmers and producers on their journeys to organic certification, and encouraged by the involvement of existing certifiers, non-profit organizations, and seasoned farmers who are helping to pave the way for the next generation of producers. With support through TOPP, the organic community is realizing one common goal: growing America’s network of organic producers to provide everyone an equal opportunity to become involved and have a seat at the organic table.   

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 are partnering 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.  

For more information on upcoming TOPP events, mentorship opportunities, and farmer resources in your region, visit OrganicTransition.org. Visit USDA's TOPP Success Stories page to read about the exciting work being done in communities throughout the United States.