Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)

The USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years into cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations and their partners to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. The 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. 

Key TOPP Initiatives Include:

  • Organic farmer-to-farmer mentorship

  • Community building opportunities

  • Technical assistance and training

  • Workforce training and development


Kearsarge Food Hub is part of a New Hampshire TOPP cohort developed by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH). NOFA-NH is a core partner in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic TOPP region. 

KFH will co-host two events with NOFA-NH and NH TOPP Cohort partners over the coming year to promote the TOPP Mentorship Program, provide outreach to farmers, and share information about organic agricultural practices with the NH farm and food network.

Farmer-to-Farmer Mentorship

TOPP is actively seeking to match experienced and knowledgeable certified organic producers who are passionate about organic production and interested in sharing their expertise with TOPP mentees. Mentees are transitioning producers who have existing farming operations where they are currently employees, managers, or owners.

Applications for prospective mentors and mentees are open now through August 31, 2023. 

Learn more about participating in the mentorship program as a Mentor or Mentee and Apply at www.nofanh.org/topp. 

TOPP Cohort Members 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, New Hampshire Maple Producers Association, 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.