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CT NOFA > TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program)

TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program)

TOPP IS A NETWORK OF ORGANIZATIONS PARTNERING TO SUPPORT TRANSITIONING AND EXISTING ORGANIC FARMERS

Connecticut Farms Newly Certified Organic
July 19, 2024
CT NOFA is excited to welcome two Connecticut farms to the certified organic community. These farms – Northwest Corner Farm (Winchester), and Sweet Ring Farm (Newtown) – are also all participants in CT NOFA programs.
Read More →
Steadfast Farms Announces Pending Organic Certification
March 13, 2025
Steadfast Farms, in Bethlehem, Connecticut, proudly announces that its processing and slaughter facility is pending USDA Organic Certification for Poultry Processing. As a participant in the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), Steadfast Farms has worked closely with CT NOFA for the past six months to ensure full compliance with organic processing standards.
Read More →

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.

Stay informed of topp related events in the northeast/mid-atlantic region

Click below to find virtual and in-person seminars related to TOPP program topics from across our region.

View Events

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 2025. 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.

Learn more

Questions or concerns? Click below to contact us.

SIGN UP TO BE A MENTOR
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE MENTORSHIP
CONTACT CT NOFA

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

Federal Grant Funding Freeze and the Future of CT NOFA
March 13, 2025
Roughly two-thirds of CT NOFA’s budget for 2025 is tied to federal grant funding, primarily through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Without restoration of these previously pledged grant funds by the federal government or significant growth in grassroots donations and support, CT NOFA will be forced to cease operations and lay off all staff, beginning May 1.
Read More →
Steadfast Farms Announces Pending Organic Certification
March 13, 2025
Steadfast Farms, in Bethlehem, Connecticut, proudly announces that its processing and slaughter facility is pending USDA Organic Certification for Poultry Processing. As a participant in the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), Steadfast Farms has worked closely with CT NOFA for the past six months to ensure full compliance with organic processing standards.
Read More →
TOPP Mentorship Program Seeks Applicants for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Cohorts
August 20, 2024
After successful pairings of experienced organic growers with transitioning-to-organic growers in over the last two years, CT NOFA seeks additional applicants for fall 2024 and spring 2025 cohorts of mentor/mentee…
Read More →
Connecticut Farms Newly Certified Organic
July 19, 2024
CT NOFA is excited to welcome two Connecticut farms to the certified organic community. These farms – Northwest Corner Farm (Winchester), and Sweet Ring Farm (Newtown) – are also all participants in CT NOFA programs.
Read More →