HFUF PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
TRANSITION TO ORGANIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Supporting Hawaiʻi’s
Organic Farmers
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a nationwide initiative from the USDA designed to grow the organic movement by supporting both transitioning and existing organic farmers. In Hawaiʻi, this effort is led by the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation, in partnership with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), the University of Hawaiʻi, and other local organizations like Maʻo Organic Farms working to build a stronger, more resilient local food system.
What is
TOPP?
TOPP provides hands-on mentorship, resources, and technical assistance to help farmers navigate the organic certification process with confidence.
Whether producers are new to organic or looking to strengthen their existing practices, the program ensures they are supported every step of the way.
WHY IT MATTERS
Over the past decade, Hawaiʻi has seen a concerning decline in organic farms — more than 10% have been lost, largely due to the rising costs of certification and challenges unique to island agriculture. At the same time, many Hawaiʻi farmers already grow food with conservation and soil-friendly practices but have lacked the support to take the next step toward certification.
That’s where TOPP comes in — breaking down barriers, building community, and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s organic agriculture sector. Since launching, the program has expanded to all islands, connecting farmers with experienced mentors and providing essential tools to succeed.
TOPP has already helped many producers turn “maybe someday” into certified success. Of the 27 mentees currently enrolled, several have already completed their organic certifications, and many more are actively working through the process.
One nonprofit had been farming with soil-friendly practices for years but kept delaying certification. “They always told me, ‘Yeah, we’re still thinking of getting certified eventually,’” shares program lead Christian Zuckerman.
“With TOPP, it was great to be able to reach out and let them know — we actually have a program that can support you and provide mentorship! Now they have a 24-acre organic farm. They might have continued putting it off indefinitely otherwise.”
For Hawaiʻi’s farmers, this means having access to:
Experienced farmer-mentors
Step-by-step guidance on organic certification
Workshops, field visits, and one-on-one support
Practical resources to help with farm inputs, conservation practices, and soil health
Christian Zuckerman leads the mentorship component of TOPP in Hawaiʻi through the CCOF Foundation Western and Southwestern Regional Center for Organic Transition. He also serves as HFUF Chief Financial Officer for the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation, HFU Vice President, and HFU Waianae Chapter President.
Raised on an organic farm in Hawaiʻi, Zuckerman returned home after college in 2012 to help a local farm “temporarily.” “A few months turned into a few years,” he jokes. Today, he operates Kuwale Ridge Farms and consults for agricultural nonprofits across the state.
His work centers on building connections between new and experienced farmers, strengthening pathways to organic certification, and supporting Hawaiʻi’s agriculture community through mentorship, workshops, and practical resources.
“This program is a natural fit for the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation,” says Zuckerman. “Over the last 11 years, we’ve been doing a lot of education work and apprenticeship programs. It allows me to continue my passion of supporting sustainable agriculture in Hawaiʻi.”
Zuckerman’s statewide outreach helps identify mentor farmers willing to share their knowledge and provide hands-on education, ensuring Hawaiʻi’s organic movement continues to grow with integrity and aloha.
Christian Zuckerman
Christian Zuckerman,
HFUF Organic Transitions Coordinator
REAL EXPERIENCES & IMPACT
“The whole program is a success story,” says Zuckerman. “In the last ten years, Hawaiʻi has lost over 10% of our certified organic farms. The cost of certification has increased, and since local products already command premium prices, farmers don’t always see the incentive to get certified. TOPP breaks down these barriers by demystifying the organic certification process.
”Mentorship has been central to that success. “Our mentors are all-stars who are truly passionate about the organic movement. Some have been involved since the ‘80s. Connecting their expertise with the next generation is really impactful,” adds Zuckerman.
PROGRAM PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation leads the program in partnership with
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
University of Hawaiʻi
Maʻo Organic Farms and other local agricultural organizations, mentors, and conservation partners across all islands
Together, we are building the support network Hawaiʻi’s farmers need to succeed in organic production, now and for future generations.
TOPP
continues to help producers strengthen their farms,
connect with markets, and build a resilient organic agriculture community across Hawaiʻi.
To learn more about the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, visit: www.organictransition.org
or email OrganicTransitions@hfuu.org.
