Northeast Organic Farming Association
of New Hampshire
A Voice for Organic Agriculture in NH
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The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who will partner with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers.
USDA Agricultual Marketing Service is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education and outreach activities. NOFA-NH is one of the Core Partners in TOPP along with the many other organizations in the region.
Let's Go Organic!
TOPP will provide valuable services to farmers in the northeast through:
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​Farmer to Farmer mentorship programs
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Technical assistance trainings
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Resource development
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Community building opportunities and networking with peers
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Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following certification
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Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension agents) on organic workforce training and education and future human capital planning.
TOPP Page Quick Links
The TOPP page is growing with information. To help with navigation,
please use these quick links to move about the page.
TOPP is open to farmers (Mentees) who have existing farming operations where they are currently employees, managers, or owners who want to transition to certified organic.
Currently certified organic farmers who want to increase acreage or add a new scope of production can also apply for Mentorship.
Apply below to be part of this exciting new program and receive help to navigate organic certification, recordkeeping, production and more. You will part of a network of farmers building organic community in New Hampshire.
TOPP is actively seeking experienced and knowledgeable certified organic producers who are passionate about organic production and interested in sharing their expertise with TOPP mentees.
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Apply above to be part of this exciting new program and receive help to navigate organic certification, recordkeeping, production and more. You will part of a network of farmers building organic community in New Hampshire.
Receive assistance with the technicalities of certification from knowledgeable providers.
Work 1:1 with a provider to develop your organic system plan.
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Learn how to create and maintain a successful recordkeeping system.
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Receive help with preparing for your first inspection.
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Understand how your operation can meet the organic regulations.
TOPP Mentorship Links
Links for participants in the Mentorship Program.
with Links
with Links
MONTHLY REPORTING
Mentor's, choose which method of monthly reporting works best for you. You will receive a copy of your submission using the Form.
Mentee's choose which method of monthly reporting works best for you. You will receive a copy of your submission using the Form.
Additional Links for the TOPP Program
Quick links for ALL TOPP participants
Self-help & Improvement Links for ALL TOPP participants (Suggested)
All program and self-help links are available at organictranistion.org
Upcoming TOPP Events
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BULK ORDER IS OPEN!
Open until March 1st, 2025​​
Save on supplies and support NOFA-NH at the same time.
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NOFA-NH's annual Spring Bulk Order is a collective buying program for organic farming and gardening supplies. Small-scale gardeners and large-scale farmers can participate.* ​There are many items to choose from and special orders are happily accepted. No minimum purchase required. No shipping charges.
*Although NOFA-NH membership is not required to participate in the Bulk Order program, non-NOFA members will add 10% to their order.
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Organic Talk Roundtable
Feb 18, 7pm | Online (Third Tuesday of the Month)
Join us for the Organic Talk Roundtable, a monthly gathering dedicated to exploring all things organic agriculture—from investigating organic practices to transitioning and achieving certification. Each session features a specific topic for discussion, with opportunities for participants to suggest future topics.
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This roundtable is a space for organic farmers, those transitioning to organic, and anyone exploring organic production to connect, share, and learn. Our goal is to foster a supportive organic farming network where we can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, share solutions, and celebrate successes. Some months will focus on a featured topic, while others provide open time for farmer-led discussions and networking. Everyone is welcome—let's grow together!​​​​​
Organic System Plan Support
Jan 29, Feb 12 & 26 @ 1pm | Online (Second and Fourth Wednesdays)
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Curious about transitioning to organic or navigating the Organic System Plan (OSP)? Join our online gathering for an open discussion and Q&A session! We'll help you explore your questions, understand how your organic practices align with the OSP, and delve into organic regulations. Everyone is welcome—bring your questions and join the conversation about organic agriculture and the role of the OSP.​​​
Technical Assistance beyond this gathering is available. Join us to learn more.
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NOFA-NH's 2025 Winter Conference
Feb 8, 2025 | In-person
Join us for NOFA-NH’s 23rd Annual Winter Conference, "Sowing Hope, Cultivating Joy," on February 8th, 2025, at Southern New Hampshire University,
where inspiration flourishes amidst the chill of winter! This unique New Hampshire event is designed for farmers, gardeners, food system professionals, and organic advocates eager to delve into the power of hope and the joy of tending to our land and communities.
TOPP workshops on certification and recordkeeping will be offered.
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As a TOPP Mentee you are eligible for a TOPP stipend to attend. Contact the TOPP Coordinator to find out more at Teresa@nofanh.org
TOPP Region Events for Northeast/Mid-Atlantic
​Find events throughout the 14 state region.
*Ongoing | CALENDAR - UNH Extension Events Calendar
* Programs of Ag interest, but unrelated to TOPP.
Organic Resources
This resource section will grow and expanded over time. Many of these links will lead to more information. This is NOT an exhaustive list. Please send information & link suggestions to Teresa@nofanh.org.
For information and updates about changing from NHDAMF to another Accredited Certifying Agency, GO HERE.
Organic Regulations
​National Organic Program Handbook
Guidance and Instruction for USDA Certified Organic operations.
This links to the entire NOP Handbook and all its sections at the NOP's website. The NOP Handbook is meant to assist operations in complying with the USDA Organic Regulations which are referenced in the handbook.
It is much easier to read than the regulations written in legalese​.
A recommendation is to start with the TABLE OF CONTENTS to see a fill list of the sections.
A quick link to the section of the NOP Handbook on the Organic Certification Process #2601
Exempt Farms & Businesses from Organic Certification
A quick link to the section of the NOP Handbook #4009 on Questions and Answers
​Organic Foods Production Act 1990, as amended
Title 7 USCODE Chapter 94 Statutory Notes & Related Subsidiaries
​USDA Organic Regulations 7 CFR Part 205
The USDA regulations establishing the NOP Federal Regulations Part 205 of TItle 7 CFR
Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule
2023 rulemaking amendment to the USDA organic regulations.
Strengthening Organic Enforcement NH Information Sheet
A publication from NOFA-NH about what you need to know and how it will affect your organic business.
Organic Facts, including NH Accredited Certifying Agencies for NH
A publication from NOFA-NH about certified organic facts, Who, What When Where and How.
National Organic Standards Board
The NOSB is a Federal Advisory Board of 15 public volunteers from the organic community. They consider and make recommendations to the NOP. They generally meet twice yearly. All meetings are free and open to the public.
​National Organic Program Integrity Database
Find USDA certified organic farms, handlers, certifiers from anywhere in the world.
Confirm and download organic certificates.
Organic Information & Learning
USDA Portal connects organic programs, services and educational materials.
A guide of an overview of USDA programs and service for organic agriculture. Based on 2015 when it was published.
Organic 101 Blog Series by the USDA (a compilation of blogs)
A pdf compilation of links of a USDA Blog series.
USDA Organic 201: A closer Look at the USDA Organic Regulations
A powerpoint created by USDA.
National Organic Program Integrity Learning Center
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Click on "Access the Learning Center"
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​Create an account. Any farmer can create a NOP Organic Integrity Learning Center Account. There is no fee.
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Name, and email is all that is required
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​During registration, it will as for an “Affiliated Certifier” – select [N/A] NOT APPLICABLE
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Then, click register
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There are many modules for learning in this database that all are free to use and learn. You need to add them to your “cart” and then checkout. You will find the $$ is $0.00.
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You can then access the program from your Dashboard. Have fun learning!
National list of allowable substances
Link to Organic Regulation Part 205.600 for synthetic and nonsynthetic substances.
OMRI - Organic Materials Review Institute
OMRI supports organic integrity with information and guidance about materials.
USDA Organic Certification Information for Farms and Businesses
A publication by NCAT and NOP
NOFA-NH Organic Facts: Who, What, Where, When & How
A publication from NOFA-NH about certified organic facts, Who, What When Where and How
Transitioning To Organic
Transitional Production Plan (TPP)
A new NOP template for crop producers who are transitioning to organic production. This is for those who do not qualify to apply for an OSP in the current year. Producers can advertise they are "Transitioning" to take advantage of marketing opportunities. There is no fee for Mentees who are part of the TOPP mentorship program.
Get Organic Training and Transition Assistance
USDA Organic Training Resources including Transitioning
Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP national website)
A Peer-to-Peer Mentorship program to transition to organic production.
NRCS – Organic Transition Initiative pamphlet
How to Transition Your Farm, Ranch or Business to Organic
Resources for anyone interested in becoming USDA certified organic
Organizations Supporting Organic
Northeast Organic Farming Association The Northeast Organic Farming Association is a non-profit organization working to promote healthy food, organic farming practices and a cleaner environment. NOFA has chapters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
List of articles available from National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas (ATTRA).
Representing Organic farmers at the national level. OFA provides a strong and unified national voice for domestic certified organic producers.
National Organic Coalition (NOC)
is a national alliance of organizations working to provide a "Washington voice" for farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, consumers and others who care about organic agriculture. ​
National Organic Coalition Newsletter
Keep updated about organic and NOSB.
A downloadable Guide for Organic Crop Producers from USDA
Their goal as a non-profit organization founded in 1990, is to advance organic agriculture through scientific research.
Funding Resources
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Funding for Farmers (2023 webinar hosted by NOFA-NH)
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​FSA Cost Share 75% Reimbursement of Organic Certification Fees
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FSCSC – Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program Financial Assistance
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SARE Farmers Grant (Grant program for farmers to explore new concepts in sustainable Ag.)
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NH County Conservation District’s Grants - contact each NH Conservation District
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Rural Development Programs & Services, including R.E.A.P. & V.A.P.G.
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Agricultural Marketing Service: FMPP Grant , LFPP Grant
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NRCS –provides conservation funding for farmers
Government Agency Resources
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USDA Agencies List related to Agriculture
Organic Legal Resources
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Legal Guide for NH Agricultural Producers (NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food)
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BCM Environmental & Land Law, PLLC (Concord, NH)
NOFA-NH is excited to establish a TOPP Cohort in New Hampshire. Participating agriculture organizations will collaborate to co-host a series of in-person and virtual events over the next year focused on sustainable and organic production, business development, and networking. Each event will include an introduction to the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) and how to participate in TOPP mentorship, technical assistance, and more.
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Cohort Partners 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,
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.