TOPP: A Year In Review

Written by Wren Frueh- Northeast/Mid-Atlantic TOPP Mentorship Coordinator

" Getting to have [my mentor] come to our farm, to see our physical land and records and give her advice on how to make things more streamlined, or have her sign off on what we were already doing, was such a joy. She has so much experience and it was a gift to be able to have her come see us. Similarly, getting to go to her farm and see how they manage their organic certification - especially record keeping - was incredibly beneficial to us, as well as being one of the highlights of our season. It's always a treat to get to visit other farms during the season, and the mentorship made us make that time."

Michaela, TOPP Mentee, New York

In its first fully operational year, the TOPP program has aided 629 farmers across the northeast through mentorship and technical assistance programs. Together, the mentorship and technical assistance programs have helped to certify 1,382 acres in 2024. In addition, TOPP partners hosted 275 events about the processes and practices of organic certification for over 11,700 attendees. In short, TOPP’s first fully operational year has been nothing short of an overwhelming success.

Supporting Farmers Supporting Farmers

The most intensive part of the TOPP program is the mentorship program, which pays experienced organic farmers to mentor farmers who are pursuing their organic certification. These year-long mentorships are customized to the needs, schedules, and interests of the participating farmers. When asked about their experience, mentees report that having another farmer to turn to with difficult questions, someone who understands their perspective and experience, makes navigating the complex process of certification easier.

“Moment of panic. With little warning I lost 2100 seedling in my grow house. With my limited experience, I called Jason and explained what had happened and a tentative plan to recover from this possible season ending event. [My mentor] reviewed and agreed with my plan and referred me to a friend of his to purchase super soil to help recover my season. Within 30 days we not only recovered but we had established 3500 seedlings. Saving our plant sale and still having enough product for our production business. This event could have forced me to close the business end of the farm.” - TOPP Mentee Galen, Maine

To date, our stellar team of mentors has helped 155 mentees navigate the certification process. We on the TOPP team cannot praise them enough.

Wren Frueh speaking at the 2025 Virginia Biological Farming Conference in Roanoke, VA.

Events

Our team of over 40 regional and cross-regional partners have organized 275 events and attended another 234 this year. Events range from intimate ‘paperwork parties’ to help farmers navigate paperwork together in West Virginia to workshops on season-extending using high tunnels and greenhouses in New Hampshire. TOPP events are always free and open to anyone who is interested in learning.

Looking Forward

As we step over the threshold into 2025, TOPP has no plans to slow down. Our mentorship program continues to grow and our partners are planning another packed calendar of events. There has never been a more important time to support organic farmers and we intend to outdo ourselves in 2025.

Wren Frueh, TOPP Mentorship Program Coordinator, joined PCO in 2023. Originally from the Shenandoah Valley, they studied Agriculture and Sustainable Development at Grinnell College and have a background in farmland conservation. Wren loves exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, enjoying live music, and cooking for loved ones. Email: wfrueh@paorganic.org