Matt Leavitt
Perennial Grains and Winter Annuals Agronomy Specialist
University of Minnesota Forever Green

If you’re thinking of transitioning to organic production, there has never been a better time than now—even with some challenging crop prices. The USDA has invested $100 million over five years to grow the pool of organic farmers in the US and ease the burden of transition through a nationwide partnership of non-profits and certification agencies called the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

TOPP has rolled out mentorship programs in every state, built educational networks, and released resources to navigate the maze of government support programs and systems.

Transitioning producers can access the tool below, complete the information and hand it in to a certification agency to ease access to transition crop insurance and be eligible for NRCS EQIP funding; and it forms the basis for your Organic System Plan with a certifier.