Mentorship and Demonstration Site Programs

Join the Organic Farm Demonstration Network and TOPP Mentorship Program

Overview

At the Organic Agriculture Institute, we're dedicated to supporting the growth of sustainable and organic farming practices. The Demonstration Site and TOPP Mentorship programs offer farmers the opportunity to share their expertise, learn from peers, and foster the next generation of organic producers. Whether you want to mentor or be a mentee, host a demonstration farm, or both, your participation can make a lasting impact on the organic farming community.

Transition to Organic Partnership Program

About

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a collaborative network assembled by the USDA's National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers by offering mentorship and resources.

Through TOPP, growers transitioning to organic production will find support throughout the transition and certification process. This support includes mentorship, workshops, webinars, field days, technical assistance, and various educational events, all aimed at equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for successful organic production, navigating the certification process, and identifying market opportunities.

Roles:

Mentor: Share expertise and guide mentees through the transition to organic farming.
Mentee: Receive support and personalized advice to help them succeed in organic agriculture.

Benefits for Mentors:

$3,000 stipend for time and expertise shared with mentees.
Contribute to the growth of the organic farming community.
Build professional connections and share your knowledge!

Benefits for Mentees:

$500 compensation for time and efforts.
Access personalized guidance and overcome challenges in organic transition and certification.
Grow your farm and build a sustainable organic operation.

Dual Participation Opportunity:

We encourage farmers to take part in both programs-serve as a mentor in the TOPP Mentorship Program while also hosting a demonstration farm site. This dual role allows for a more immersive educational experience, benefiting both you and the farmers you engage with.

Learn more and apply at organictransition.org

Demonstration Site Program

About

The Demonstration Site Program invites experienced organic farmers to host on-farm demonstrations showcasing organic practices. These demo sites offer connections between experienced organic farmers with the broader community to share knowledge, demonstrate sustainable practices, and foster a collaborative learning environment.

What Demo Site Hosts Do:

As a demonstration site host, you can:

Dedicate 1-2 acres to showcase organic farming practices.
Share innovative practices, management strategies, or trial results with other farmers.
Host field days organized by the OAI, where community members can visit your farm and learn firsthand from your experience.
Collaborate with OAI to document and share findings from your small demonstration site.

Benefits:

By becoming a demo site host, you will:

Play a key role in advancing organic farming practices in your region.
Provide a space for knowledge exchange and learning within the farming community.
Receive payments to cover your time and efforts related to demonstration site.
Build relationships with other organic farmers, researchers, and community members through events and collaboration.

Who Can Apply:

We are seeking farmers who are:

Currently certified organic, transitioning to organic, or aspiring to be organic.
Interested in sharing knowledge and helping to build a strong organic farming community.
Open to hosting a demonstration plot on their farm and sharing their experiences with others.

How to Apply:

If you're interested in becoming a demonstration site host, please reach out to us at mdlorozcoramirez@ucanr.edu for more information.

Discover more at calfarmdemo.org