The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a nationwide USDA program, was designed to help farmers navigate the challenges of transitioning to organic production. There is more to becoming organically certified than one might anticipate. The process involves extensive recordkeeping, a transition period of up to three years, additional costs, and integrating new production systems. The TOPP program provided support for this through its mentorship program, which paired experienced certified organic farmers with producers working toward certification. Through these relationships, mentors helped producers build knowledge, navigate the certification process, and adapt their farming practices.
In addition to mentorship, TOPP explored other ways to support farmers through the transition to organic production. One approach was to utilize a resource offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition, also known as Conservation Planning Activity 138 (CPA 138). This specialized conservation plan helps agricultural producers address natural resource concerns as they transition from conventional farming to organic production.
To receive a CPA 138 plan, a producer must work with a Technical Service Provider (TSP) certified to develop these specialized plans. Currently, there are few, if any, TSPs in Michigan certified to write CPA 138 plans. Increasing the number of qualified TSPs was therefore one way MI TOPP could expand support for farmers transitioning to organic. The MI TOPP team found that the process of becoming a certified TSP can be complex and difficult to navigate. To help address this barrier, they developed the 2026 Michigan TSP Handbook for NRCS CPA 138 - Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition, to guide prospective TSPs through the process of becoming certified to write CPA 138 plans.
Although this handbook was developed specifically to support prospective TSPs through the process of becoming certified to develop CPA 138, Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition, and creating plans that meet USDA NRCS standards, it may also be a useful resource for individuals interested in becoming TSPs in other areas. Section 1 provides an overview of the general TSP certification process, including how to access TechReg, complete required training, and navigate the TSP Registry. While specific certification requirements vary by conservation practice or planning activity, many of the initial steps are similar. The remainder of this handbook focuses specifically on the CPA 138 planning process and requirements.
We hope this handbook provides you with the knowledge, resources, and tools needed to navigate the TSP certification process and develop successful CPA 138 plans. If you have questions along the way, a list of contacts is provided on page 2. These individuals can help provide guidance on NRCS programs, organic practices and standards, and the CPA 138 planning process.