Transition to Organic Partnership Program TOPP
TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP)
TOPP PARTNERSHIP
Grain Place Foundation is a Partner with Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) in the Plains Region of the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). The purpose of TOPP is to increase the number of USDA certified organic farms and businesses. As a partner of OCIA. With our long history of involvement in organic farming as well as processing and marketing organic grains and helping develop new products, Grain Place Foundation is able to offer a variety of opportunities for folks exploring organic certification or careers in the certified organic industry.
Request a Consultation
Consultation to those in various stages of the process of organic certification from the curious to those with specific issues and concerns who are already certified. David Vetter has been a pioneer in these fields for more than 40 years. We have a network of others with expertise and experience in organic farming and food handling. Our farm has a long history of participation in various studies and experimentation that we can share.
Webcasts and Support Groups
We facilitate webcasts and support groups for those with specific interests including – existing organic farmers, farmers interested in transitioning, landlords, those interested in marketing, etc.
Intern with
The Grain Place
Looking for an unforgettable summer experience on an organic farm? Want to swap the hustle and bustle for open skies, hands-on farming, and a real connection to your food? The Grain Place Farm is calling.
We’re looking for two Farm Interns to join us on our 280-acre farm in the heart of Nebraska—where we produce grains, legumes, and pastured livestock using the highest level of certified organic and regenerative agricultural practices. This internship is paid ($15/hour), with free housing available on the farm in our new intern house.
The ideal candidate is passionate about growing healthy food; working with (rather than against) nature; and seeking foundational and transformational experiences in their academic and/or career journey.
As an intern at the Grain Place Farm, you’ll work alongside our Resident Farmer and Farm Manager on diverse crop production, livestock care, and general farm upkeep. This isn’t just any farm internship, it’s an opportunity to be part of a unique nine-year crop rotation system that produces abundant yields without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. You’ll gain practical skills and big-picture thinking related to soil health, agroecology, and holistic farm management. Additionally, you’ll be encouraged to spend time reflecting and pursuing personal education related to your interests.
The Grain Place Farm has played a role in transforming the lives and career aspirations of previous interns. To take a sneak peek into their experiences, please see our intern blog here and read the Organic Center’s interview with a former intern (now board member!) here. You can meet our farmers here. Finally, you can watch a documentary about the farm here.
Review of applications will begin March 1 and continue until the spots are filled.