PLAINS
TRANSITION TO ORGANIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMWhat is the Plains Transition to Organic Partnership Program?
The Plains Transition to Organic Partnership Program (Plains TOPP) is a coalition of organizations providing technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers.
Plains TOPP serves operators in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Oklahoma.
How will Plains TOPP assist regional operators?
Working with regional partners, Plains TOPP will connect operators transitioning to organic with local, experienced organic operators who will serve as mentors. Additionally, Plains TOPP will:
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- Train and educate mentors to ensure successful partnership with transitioning operators
- Provide technical assistance on agronomy, organic certification, extension, conservation planning, organic regulations, certification cost share programs, business development, and marketing
- Develop and expand technical assistance and training programs
- Support local workforce development
- Organize community building and networking events to connect transitioning, newly certified, and experienced organic farmers.
TOPP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The goal of TOPP is to make the transition from conventional farming to organic farming easier and more accessible. To that end, a robust mentorship program has been developed. The mentorship program will:
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- Connect transitioning operators with an experienced organic operator who will provide guidance throughout the transition process.
- Mentors will receive training, guidance, and support to ensure a successful relationship.
- Transitioning operators will set goals with mentors, and mentors will actively assist transitioning operators in working toward their goals.
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Apply for TOPP Mentorship today!
Are you a conventional producer transitioning your operation to organic? Apply now to be matched with a mentor who will help guide you through the transition and certification process.
Mentees will:
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- Partner with an experienced organic operator to navigate the transition and certification process
- Get expert advice on best practices
- Receive support in writing the organic system plan
- Access additional learning opportunities such as field days, workshops, webinars, and conferences
Apply to be a TOPP Mentor today!
The Plains TOPP mentorship program is seeking experienced certified organic operators to serve as mentors to producers transitioning their operations to organic production.
Program Requirements:
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- Mentors must have at least 3 years experience with organic production and certification
- Ability to connect with mentee 45 hours/year
- Thorough understanding of organic rules and certification requirements
- Understanding of challenges and benefits presented by organic certification
Mentors receive:
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- Training
- $3,000 stipend for each mentorship year you participate (additional stipend for mentors with more than one mentee)
- Multi-lingual mentors may be eligible for additional compensation
- Mentors with multiple mentees may be eligible for additional compensation
Are you interested in learning more about organic agriculture?
Transitioning your conventional operation to organic can be overwhelming, but we truly believe that that more you know the more successful your transition to organic will be. Below you will find resources that address questions transitioning operators frequently have.
The best part? Additional resources are added every other week, so feel free to check back regularly for more learning opportunities.
Challenges in the Organic Certification Process
Transitioning a conventional operation to organic can at times feel like a daunting task filled with insurmountable obstacles. While it’s easy to become discouraged, many of the challenges associated with organic certification can be overcome with planning, ingenuity, and perseverance.
Frequently Asked: What is Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)?
The USDA will implement Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) on March 19, 2024. The new regulations will impact all segments of the organic industry. This post addresses common SOE questions.
The Organic Certification Process
All operators seeking initial organic certification must complete a similar six step process regardless of which certification agency they partner with. This process ensures that organic operators remain in compliance with organic regulations and helps maintain the integrity of the organic supply chain.
Would you like more information about TOPP?
FILL OUT THE USDA TOPP'S GENERAL INTEREST FORM BELOW GENERAL INTEREST FORMThe Plains TOPP program is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).
Plains TOPP Partners
Who we work with:
Plains TOPP has a large network of collaborative partners continuously working to find ways to best support producers transitioning to organic, build community, and develop the organic workforce. Our partners represent state departments of agriculture, research universities, organic certifies and non-profit organizations throughout the Plains states.
Acres USA
Contact: Lydia Lazar
Email: llazar@acresusa.com
www.acresusa.com
Center for Rural Affairs
Contact: Wyatt Fraas
Email: wyattf@cfra.org
Phone: 402-687-2100
www.cfra.org
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Contact: Callie Cooper
Email: callie.cooper@state.co.us
Phone: 303-869-9000
callie.cooper@state.co.us
FARRMS
Contact: Stephanie Blumhagen
Phone: 701-877-1796
Email: sblumhagen@farrms.org
www.farrms.org
Grain Place Foundation
Contact: Jay Vetter
Email: jay@grainplacefoundation.org
Phone: 888-714-7246
www.grainplacefoundation.org
Kansas Civic Network
Contact: Andres Mata
Email: andres.mata@kscivicnetwork.org
kscivicnetwork.org
Kansas Farmers Union
Contact: Nick Levendofsky
Email: nick@kansasfarmersunion.com
Phone: 620-241-6630
www.kansasfarmersunion.com
Midwest Organic Producers
Contract: Demetria Hill
Email: deme.hill@outlook.com
Phone: 785-678-7006
Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society
Contact: Audrey Woita
Email: programcoordinator@sustainablenebraska.org
Phone: 402-235-6743
www.sustainablenebraska.org
OCIA Nebraska
Contact: Rick Schuchardt
Phone: 703-474-9940
Email: rick.schuchardt@gmail.com
www.nebraskaocia.org
Organic Farmers Association
Contact: Kate Mendenhall
Email: kate@organicfarmersassociation.org
Phone: 202-643-5363
organicfarmersassociation.org
Rodale Institute
Contact: Lea Vereecke
Email: lea.vereecke@rodaleinstitute.org
www.rodaleinstitute.org
Think Generation
Contact: Ryan Slabaugh
Email: ryan@think-regen.com
Phone: 970-389-5218
www.ThinkRegeneration.com
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Email: kkoehlercole2@unl.edu
Phone: 402-504-1016
www.unl.edu
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service — NOP
Email: nop.guidance@usda.gov
Phone: 202-720-3252
www.ams.usda.gov/organic