TOPP Mentor Position Description
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Mentor Position Description
Position Overview
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is actively seeking experienced and
knowledgeable certified organic producers who are passionate about organic production and
interested in sharing their expertise with others. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to
guide and support producers who are transitioning to organic, providing them with valuable
insights, practical advice, and industry best practices. By becoming a mentor, you will play a
crucial role in helping new organic producers succeed and contribute to the growth of the
organic movement in our region.
As a mentor, you will be paired with a similar producer transitioning to organic, you will have
regular meetings and check-ins, and provide your expertise with organic production to help
them succeed in their organic venture. This is a paid mentorship opportunity, including paid
training, mentorship time, and travel time. All crop and livestock producers are welcome to
apply.
Responsibilities
All mentor responsibilities can be completed in person or virtually:
● Mentor at least one producer transitioning to organic for one year, with an option to
renew mentorship annually
● Complete 5 hours of mentor training annually
● Provide 40 hours of mentorship each year (optional additional hours with additional
mentees), including:
● Complete onboarding with mentee and mentorship coordinator
● Host mentee at least once on your own operation
● Visit mentee’s operation at least once
● Lead monthly meetings with mentee
● Participate in program evaluations
● Complete quarterly check-ins with the mentorship coordinator
● Answer mentee’s emails and phone calls in a timely manner
● Track mentorship hours and activities
● Recommended to attend at least one educational event with mentee
● Suggested to present at or host an educational event
Qualifications
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Owners, managers, employees, or retired producers of certified organic operations with
at least 3 years of direct experience with organic certification
Ability to fulfill the time commitment of mentorship including communication, site visits
(virtual or in person), and researching solutions
Willingness to engage in problem solving, and a desire to give-back to the organic
production community
Strong understanding of the rules, challenges, and benefits of organic production and
becoming certified organic
Open to inviting mentee and other program participants to your operation either in
person or virtually
Preferred experience in a teaching, supervising or mentor role
Benefits
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$3,000 stipend for each mentorship year you participate (additional stipend for mentors
with more than one mentee)
● Applicants with language skills beyond English may be eligible for additional
compensation
● Paid professional development on professional and interpersonal skills, organic
regulations, and organic production practices
● Develop teaching and facilitation skills
● Take part in supporting the growing network of organic producers!
To Apply
Complete the TOPP Mentor Application
Learn more at www.organictransition.org
Mentor applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Mentorship Program is an equal opportunity program that is
deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment
based on factors such as race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information,
pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local laws. This policy extends to all aspects
of our mentorship program, including mentor and mentee selection, participation, and advancement. TOPP makes
decisions regarding mentor and mentee matches based solely on the merits of qualifications, compatibility, and the
program’s goals.