Transition to Organic Partnership Program (USDA Plains TOPP)
South Dakota’s organic farming sector is receiving a significant boost with South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) joining a cooperative agreement under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plains Transition to Organic Partnership Program (Plains TOPP).
Through the S.D. Specialty Producers Association, transitioning organic farmers have access to a comprehensive suite of resources. Experts provide guidance on organic rules, certification processes, organic system planning, and business development. SDSPA facilitates a variety of virtual and in person events, fostering a collaborative environment for transitioning organic farmers to learn from newly transitioned and seasoned organic producers.
Plains TOPP is a collaborative effort serving producers in six states including South Dakota, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. Through SDSPA, transitioning organic farmers will have access to a comprehensive suite of resources. Experts will provide guidance on organic management practices, organic certification processes, conservation planning, and business development strategies. Additionally, SDSPA will facilitate networking events, fostering a collaborative environment for transitioning, newly certified, and seasoned organic farmers.
“This cooperative agreement signifies a substantial advancement for organic agriculture in South Dakota. By offering a robust support system, SDSPA empowers organic farmers to not only survive, but flourish within the organic market,” Dr. Angela Jackson, SDSPA Organic Ag Transition Advisor, said.
SDSPA Support:
- Webinars
- Field Days
- S.D. Organic Transition Resource Guide
- Organic transition informational videos
- Outreach and training events around the state
- On-site technical advising during scheduled site visits
- Office hours for technical assistance via phone or email
SDSPA Resources:
- SDSPA Organic Website
- Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Website
- Facebook Page
- Organic Operator’s Facebook Group
- Instagram Page
- YouTube Channel:
Program Contact:
Angela K. Jackson, Organic Ag Transition Advisor
605-624-1966
Dr. Jackson is the SDSPA contractor for the Plains TOPP Region serving South Dakota. In her role, she will advise and support transitioning producers across the state through organic farming education, technical assistance, and outreach opportunities.
She has been active in South Dakota organic food and feed production for many years as an inspector/auditor, educator, and a producer. Since 2006, she has been the owner/operator of PrairieSun Organics, a family farm located in Clay County, S.D. PrairieSun Organics is certified to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) and Regenerative Organic Certified®. Along with her husband, they raise row crops, vegetables, laying hens for eggs, broiler chickens for meat, and processes their chickens on site.
Jackson has a doctoral degree from the University of South Dakota (USD) School of Education. She taught previously as adjunct faculty in ag business and animal nutrition at a community college in Iowa for nearly a decade. In addition to working for SDSPA, Jackson works for the USD and the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA).
Her learning farm was designated an Organic Regenerative Learning Center by the ROA for 2024. She is an active member of the Organic Farmers Association and the International Organic Inspectors Association, She is passionate about seeing organic production grow in South Dakota.
This program is supported through the USDA. Plains TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service NOP.
Program Flier- TOPP TOPP National Impact Report 2024