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Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)

The 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 Agricultural Marketing Service is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities. NOFA-NH is one of the Core Partners in TOPP along with the many organizations in the graphic below. 

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Let's Go Organic!

TOPP will provide valuable services to farmers in the northeast through:

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  • ​Farmer to Farmer mentorship programs 

  • Technical assistance trainings 

  • Resource development 

  • Community building opportunities and networking with peers

  • Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following certification

  • Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension agents) on organic workforce training and education and future human capital planning. 


Learn more about participating in the mentorship program as a Mentor or Mentee.

TOPP is actively seeking experienced and knowledgeable certified organic producers who are passionate about organic production and interested in sharing their expertise with TOPP mentees.

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TOPP is open to farmers (Mentees) who have existing farming operations where they are currently employees, managers, or owners who want to transition to certified organic. Currently certified organic farmers who want to increase acreage or a new scope of production can also participate as a Mentee.

 

Apply below to be part of this exciting new program and receive help to navigate organic certification, recordkeeping, production and more. You will part of a network of farmers building organic community in New Hampshire.

Read More about the Mentor Position...

Read More about applying for Mentorship...

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Inquire to have the TOPP Coordinator contact you with more information.

Inquire about more information

Programs for Transitioning Farmers

NOFA-NH is excited to establish a TOPP Cohort in New Hampshire. Participating agriculture organizations will collaborate to co-host a series of in-person and virtual events over the next year focused on sustainable and organic production, business development, and networking. Each event will include an introduction to the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) and how to participate in TOPP mentorship, technical assistance, and more. 

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TOPP Events:

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Cohort Partners Include:

Cheshire County Conservation District, Granite State Graziers, Kearsarge Food Hub, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), New England Farmers Union, New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation, NH Food Alliance and the NH Food Hub Network, NH Queer Farmers Network, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association (NODPA), Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH), Seacoast Eat Local, UNH Extension, and Vital Communities.

Additional Resources

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Funding for Farmers Webinar:
Introduction to Transition to Organic Partnership Program & More
May 31, 2023 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR PRESENTATION SLIDES AND THE WEBINAR RECORDING

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Description:

Join NOFA-NH, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for a presentation on emerging opportunities for organic and sustainable farmers in New Hampshire and beyond! Learn more about the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, NRCS Organic Transition Initiative funding, and the Organic Certification Cost Share Program.

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Hear from NOFA-NH about their role in the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), including farmer-to-farmer mentorship, on farm workshops, community building events, technical assistance, and workforce development opportunities in the organic sector.

 

Learn from NRCS about accompanying funding and resources for producers transitioning to organic as part of the USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative, plus new and existing funding and resources for farmers in the Granite State.

 

NRCS’s sister agency, the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will discuss the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The program is open until October 31st and provides 75% reimbursement for organic certification, up to $750 per certification scope.

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

This webinar will include plenty of time for Q & A.

 

Speakers

  • Nikki Kolb, NOFA-NH Operations Director

  • Denise Rico, NOFA-NH Finance & Bulk Order Coordinator

  • Don Keirstead, NRCS State Resource Conservationist

  • Chad Cochrane, NRCS State Agronomist

  • Tabitha Edwards NRCS Outreach Coordinator

  • Andrea Bye, FSA Administrative Support Specialist & NH Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator

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Presentation Slides

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