Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Resources

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Workforce Development
Support from Strengthening Organic Systems (SOS)

SOS is proud to be a partner in the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)—a national initiative designed to grow and support the organic community through technical assistance, mentorship, and workforce development.

This page is a hub for TOPP-related training materials and tools developed by SOS, with a special focus on workforce development and capacity building. Whether you’re a service provider, educator, mentor, or transitioning producer, you’ll find practical, ready-to-use resources to support organic certification and strengthen organic integrity across the supply chain.

We believe that strong organic systems start with informed people. Our resources are grounded in real-world experience and built to empower the next generation of organic professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.

Learn more about MIDWEST TOPP

Click on the following links for TOPP-related tools and training materials:

Organic Integrity Database (OID) Instructions

A comprehensive guide for navigating the Organic Integrity Database (OID). Originally created for Work Force Development, this resource is also beneficial for producers seeking to understand USDA OID functionalities

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OLPS HANDBOOK

A quick reference guide for the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS), highlighting relevant sections of the USDA National Organic Program requirements for livestock.

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Organic Fraud Prevention Guide for Inspectors

A concise manual designed for organic inspectors, outlining the essential components of the Organic Fraud Prevention Plan (OFPP). It includes practical examples and clear explanations to aid inspectors in evaluating OFPPs during field inspections.

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Organic Fraud Complaints

A resource aimed at helping inspectors and reviewers. It provides guidance on effectively gathering information and credible evidence related to fraud complaints within the Crop scope.

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Commingling & Contamination Prevention:
A Guide for Inspectors

A comprehensive reference for inspectors assessing organic handling and processing operations for compliance with § 205.272. Includes a practical Organic Grain Commingling Prevention Checklist.

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Compost in Organic Crop Production:
A Guide for Inspectors

A practical guide supporting inspectors in distinguishing between compost and raw manure under USDA organic regulations. The resource promotes consistent field evaluation, fertility management, and food-safety compliance.

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Mass Balance Instruction for Crop
and Livestock Operations

A comprehensive tool for verifying that organic production, inputs, and sales are balanced and traceable. The resource provides supports inspectors, certifiers, and operations in detecting yield discrepancies, verifying feed integrity, and ensuring compliance with USDA NOP standards.

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Supplier Verification Guidance
(Crops, Livestock, Handling)

A field-ready guide for inspectors on evaluating supplier verification systems under USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule. Includes a companion SOP template for Crops, Livestock, and Handling to strengthen operator compliance and risk-based oversight.

Not sure where
to get started?

At SOS, we believe the best place to start is with a conversation. Get in touch with us today so we can understand your needs and provide you with the most effective and practical path forward.

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