TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program)
TOPP IS A NETWORK OF ORGANIZATIONS PARTNERING TO SUPPORT TRANSITIONING AND EXISTING ORGANIC FARMERS
What is TOPP?
CT NOFA is proud to be a Core Partner in the Northeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a mentorship program that pairs experienced organic producers with producers who are transitioning to organic. This community agreement is sponsored by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and will continue through October of 2027.
how to take part
CT NOFA will be connecting paid organic certification mentors to mentees for one year. The mentorship program is ongoing and applications will be accepted throughout 2024. CT NOFA staff will assist with helping mentee farmers to navigate the organic certification process.
We welcome partner non-profit or public organizations to work with CT NOFA to provide community building opportunities, technical assistance, train-the-mentor support, and workshop and field day activities covering topics including organic production practices, certification, conservation planning, business development, regulations, and marketing.
ct nofa is currently accepting applications for:
Mentor Farmers
who have at least 3 years' organic farming experience working directly on farm production, business management, and/or organic certification. This could include experience as an employee, manager, or owner of an organic operation or someone with at least 3 years experience with organic certification.
Mentee Farmers
who have at least 2 years' experience owning or operating a farm including owners, employees, or managers. If you are planning to transition an operation to organic, in the process of transitioning an operation to organic, starting a new certified organic operation, and/or are interested in technical assistance, we welcome you to apply to join our mentorship program.
Technical Experts
who are interested in helping provide guidance on specific topics, skills, or areas of interest to farmers who are transitioning to organic methods.
Please note that application does not guarantee acceptance.
Farmer Roundtables
Provided courtesy of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance
Cover Cropping on Small Farms
Greenhouse Tomato Growing
Scaling Up the Small Farm
Program news
TOPP Mentorship Program Seeks Applicants for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Cohorts
Connecticut Farms Newly Certified Organic
TOPP Climate Smart Field Days
TOPP Mentorship Program Applications Open
