FINAL Meet TOPP September 2023 Newsletter
Midwest
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Midwest TOPP News
Issue No. 1, September 2023
MEET TOPP
USDA INVESTS IN TRANSITIONING TO ORGANIC, MOSA NAMED AS THE
MIDWEST REGIONAL CENTER
By Allison Walent, Midwest TOPP Program Director
In August 2022, Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, unveiled the Organic Transition
Initiative. Through this 300 million dollar, multi-agency USDA effort, the USDA hopes to
open opportunities for new and beginning farmers; build and strengthen organic
markets and streams of income for farmers and producers; and expand direct consumer
access to organic foods through increased production. The USDA’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency, and Agricultural Marketing Service each
have a major role in the Organic Transition Initiative. The USDA’s Natural Resources and
Conservation Service will focus on technical assistance; the Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) will focus on market development and organic market security through
the Organic Market Development Grant Program, and the National Organic Program will
focus primarily on farmer mentoring and wrap-around support for farmers choosing to
transition their operation.
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) network is divided into six
regions: the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and
West/Southwest. TOPP regions were set geographically to form a mix of states that are
well-represented in organic and states that are currently underserved. The Midwest
Region represents AR, KY, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH,TN, and WI. TOPP is a collaborative
effort that will involve many partners working together towards a common goal.
Organizations in these regions are actively forming partnerships to serve transitioning
and existing organic farmers. While some partner organizations have already been
identified, partner organizations will continue to be identified and included throughout
the initiative.
It is with great enthusiasm that we announce that MOSA was selected to serve as the
(TOPP) Regional Center for the Midwest. The selection criteria were the number of
certified organic clients represented, proven track record of partnering with other
organizations, ability to accommodate the additional project, and the agency’s
accreditation “good standing” status.
Through TOPP, the Midwest Regional Center and its partner organizations will connect
farmers transitioning to organic with local, experienced organic mentors; provide farmer
training and education; provide education and technical assistance on agronomy,
organic certification, extension, conservation planning, organic regulations, certification
cost share, business development, and marketing; build networks and strengthen the
organic community; develop and expand access to technical assistance and training; and
support workforce training and development.
Are you an experienced organic farmer and interested in sharing your knowledge with
new farmers? Are you a member of an organization that you think would benefit from
partnering with us? Are you a new farmer (or do you know someone) who would like to
be paired with a mentor? If any of these is true, please complete the form below. We
will contact you to discuss your interest and opportunities to get involved!
To learn more about TOPP or to apply to become a mentor or mentee, visit:
www.organictransition.org
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