In August 2022, USDA launched the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) as part of its commitment to strengthening the market for domestically grown organic goods and supporting producers seeking organic certification. OTI committed resources under several USDA programs to help existing organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production and processing.  

The OTI Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) saw significant growth and success in 2024. As we enter year three of this five-year program, collaboration between USDA’s National Organic Program, TOPP national and regional partners, and industry stakeholders continues to create and improve access to organic market opportunities for thousands of U.S. farmers and businesses.   

Through TOPP, farmers new to organic farming have received valuable resources and assistance through mentorships with experienced organic producers who are helping them navigate the organic transition process. Technical assistance workshops and networking events have offered guidance, tools and effective business strategies to farmers working to enter this value-added sector of the market.  

TOPP has positively impacted hundreds of diverse farming communities nationwide. Visit the Transition to Organic Partnership Program webpage to see how many U.S. farmers TOPP has impacted, read regional TOPP success stories, and search the interactive state-by-state map to find TOPP partners in your region.   

Another Organic Transition Initiative effort, the Organic Market Development Grants (OMDG) Program, provided $85 million to fund projects aimed at increasing the consumption of domestic agricultural commodities by helping develop new organic markets, marketing facilities, and uses for organic commodities. To see a list of grants made under OMDG, please visit OMDG Awarded Grants on the AMS website. 

Photo: Grain buyers in the Northwest pitch their businesses to organic grain producers during a TOPP buyer-seller matching event. 

Organic Buyers and Suppliers Connect at
TOPP Market Development Events 

Finding new organic and in-transition producers and suppliers can be challenging for buyers interested in growing the domestic organic market. To support market development, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) partnered with the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and Rodale Institute as part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). This Fall, Rodale launched in-person events to provide market development technical assistance and to connect buyers and suppliers within regions and in-demand organic sectors. 

In December, the National TOPP partners hosted an organic markets buyer panel and breakout session during the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Transition to Organic Farming Conference. A panel of five buyers offered their insights while diving into crucial topics shaping the future of organic grain and livestock markets, with particular attention to eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Attendees included representatives from organic food, feed, seed, and cooperative buyers.  

During the Montana Organic Association’s 2024 Annual Conference, National TOPP partners hosted a buyer-supplier matching event on Existing, Future and Onshoring Organic Grain Market Opportunities. More than 200 individuals attended the event, which included a 90-second pitch session where 19 grain buyers from the Northwest pitched their businesses to Montana organic growers.