Podcast Discusses USDA Organic Farming Program with Modern Species Agency
A podcast episode from Modern Species' Brands for a Better World series featured Ben Bowell and Jessy Beckett Parr discussing the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). This USDA initiative has a $100 million budget to assist farmers in adopting organic methods through technical support, mentorship, and community-based efforts. Key partners include Organic Farmers Association, Trade Association, Arizona State University Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, and regional organizations like Oregon Tilth and Florida Organic Growers. The program aims to boost domestic organic production to meet consumer demand, though future funding remains a concern. Modern Species created a 2025 Impact Report that helped secure additional grant funding after a government freeze.
Key facts
- TOPP is a USDA program with $100 million budget supporting farmers transitioning to organic practices
- Program provides technical assistance, mentorship, and community-based regional support
- Key partners include Organic Farmers Association, Arizona State University Swette Center, and multiple regional organizations
- Modern Species developed a 2025 Impact Report that helped secure additional funding after government freeze
- Program aims to increase domestic organic production to meet consumer demand
Entities
Institutions
- USDA
- Modern Species
- Organic Farmers Association
- Trade Association
- Arizona State University Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
- Oregon Tilth
- CCOD
- OCIA
- MOSA
- Florida Organic Growers
- PCO
- PRINT Magazine