A woman kneeling over a tray of tomatoes in a greenhouse

MOSA provides our clients with much more than just certification.

Joe Pedretti

MOSA Client Services Director

Announcing MOSA’s New Transitional Production Plan Verification Program

Announcing MOSA’s New Transitional Production Plan Verification Program

Transitioning to organic farming can be complex, but with the right support, it becomes a clear and achievable path. If you, or someone you know, is planning to pursue organic certification, MOSA’s Transitional Production Plan (TPP) Verification Program is a helpful tool that assists transitioning operators prepare land, inputs, and management practices during the transition period.

This program is currently offered at no cost through the USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). MOSA’s TPP Verification Program provides support to help develop a compliant organic system plan before application for certification. As a USDA-accredited certifier, MOSA helps producers avoid common mistakes, verify input compliance, and approve seeds and practices aligned with the National Organic Standards.

Through MOSA’s TPP Verification Program, operators receive one-on-one technical assistance, comprehensive desk audit, and feedback on their organic management plan. Once the application is complete, and MOSA verifies your record keeping system and management are compliant, operators will be issued a transitional certificate (for internal use) that complies with the USDA NOP Organic Integrity Database – Transitional Operation Reporting and is listed in the USDA’s Organic Integrity Database (INTEGRITY).

A signed and approved TPP in combination with a Transitional Operations listing in INTEGRITY is more than just a planning document—it can also be used to:

  • Apply for transitional crop insurance through the USDA Risk Management Agency

  • Meet requirements for Conservation Activity Plan 138 (CAP 138) under the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program

This process ensures that operators are well-prepared for certification while building experience in organic practices.

TOPP, which is investing up to $100 million over five years, supports farmers by forming regional networks across six U.S. regions (Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest). These networks deliver technical assistance, mentor matching, community events, business planning, and regulatory guidance. Whether just beginning or nearing certification, TOPP’s support extends through:

  • Paid mentoring for new organic farmers

  • Train-the-mentor programs and field workshops

  • Business development and supply chain education

  • Culturally appropriate and regionally specific outreach

TOPP also connects producers with educational institutions, crop advisors, and extension agents to support long-term growth in the organic sector. Resources are available to all transitioning and certified organic producers via OrganicTransition.org.

Why complete a Transitional Production Plan?

  • Know your plan meets organic requirements from the start

  • Build confidence and clarity as you move toward certification

  • Gain technical assistance and mentorship throughout the transition

  • Use your certifier-approved plan for insurance and conservation program eligibility

Ready to begin?

Visit MyMOSA to register and apply or contact MOSA directly.

With the right guidance and preparation, the transition to organic can be a rewarding and successful journey.