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.
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Key TOPP Initiatives Include:
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Organic farmer-to-farmer mentorship
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Community building opportunities
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Technical assistance and training
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Workforce training and development
New Hampshire Partnerships
The Cheshire County Conservation District 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.
The Conservation District will multiple 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.
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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.
Upcoming TOPP Events
TOPP events will be hosted throughout the spring and summer of 2024. To view upcoming TOPP-related events, visit our events page!
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 being accepted periodically.
Learn more about participating in the mentorship program as a Mentor or Mentee and Apply at www.nofanh.org/topp.
Past Events
Walk-In Cooler Efficiency & CoolBot Technology Tour
When: July 19, 2023, 10:00AM-11:00AM
Where: Green Wagon Farm -- 833 Court Street, Keene, NH
Green Wagon really does have green greens! At the July 19th Farm Energy Tour, we explored their walk-in coolers and learned about energy efficiency across Green Wagon's operation.
Much appreciation to Kaisa and Bill Jarrell of Green Wagon Farm for showing us around!
Manure Management with Bedded Packs – On-Farm Workshop
When: Wed, July 26 11:00AM-1:00PM
Where: Brookfield Farm -- 460 Old Drewsville Rd, Walpole, NH
Everybody poops, including livestock! On July 26th we learned about Manure Management using 'bedded pack' facilities. We learned the science of manure composting and application. Thank you to UNH Extension, NOFA-NH and Brookfield Farm in Walpole for having us out!
