Apply Now for Organic Transition Assistance 

Producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to organic certification are encouraged to apply at their local NRCS Service Center for the Organic Transition Initiative as soon as possible.  If a state deadline is missed, applications will be considered for future consideration.   

For producers transitioning to organic production, a new NRCS organic management conservation practice, which was introduced in fiscal year 2023 as part of OTI, allows flexibility for producers to get the assistance and education they need, such as attending workshops or requesting help from experts or mentors. It also supports organic conservation activities and practices required for organic certification and may provide foregone income reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period. Learn more and apply at your local NRCS Service Center today! 

Photo: Organic Transition Academy attendees tour the production facility for Grain Place Foods, a certified organic producer in Aurora, Nebraska. 

Nebraska Producers Learn Marketing, Business Planning, and Transition Strategies at TOPP Organic Transition Academy  

Three USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) partners located in the Plains region joined forces to host two days of classes at the Organic Transition Academy in Aurora, Nebraska. The Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society and the National Center for Appropriate Technology welcomed 65 farmers, livestock producers, and several others considering organic certification to the training.    

The academy’s training classes provided information on the transition and economics of certified organic production for grain, specialty crops and livestock producers. Featured speakers from TOPP regional partner Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society presented sessions on marketing organic products, certification, business planning and transition to organic strategies. The two-day event included a farm tour of certified organic operation Grain Place Foods and a community night where the farmers networked with other regional organic farmers and resource providers. 

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.  

Plains Regional Lead Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) 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. 

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.