Seeding the next generation of organic farmers
Consumer demand for organic is growing. We need more U.S. farmers to meet that demand.
Launched in 2026 by the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University, Kernel is a mentorship program helping farmers, ranchers, and handlers across the country transition to organic and achieve USDA Organic certification.
Kernel is thoughtfully designed to facilitate effective farmer-to-farmer mentorship relationships, expand organic production nationwide, and strengthen the domestic organic foods industry. This program builds on the successes and momentum of the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
An introduction and an invitation
Hear directly from Kathleen Merrigan, executive director of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems and long-time leader in organic agriculture, as she introduces Kernel, shares the vision behind the program, and invites producers and handlers to join.
Become a mentor
As a mentor in Kernel, you'll share your firsthand insight and advice to help agricultural producers or food handlers transition to organic and attain USDA Organic certification. This is a paid opportunity.
Become a mentee
As a mentee in Kernel, you'll receive one-on-one guidance and support tailored to your operation, location, and goals, no matter where you're at on your journey to organic.
Rooted in Principled Innovation®
Kernel is part of a larger effort at Arizona State University to advance Principled Innovation (PI) through projects that place character and values at the center of decisions and actions.
The Principled Innovation Framework, originally developed at ASU, guides our team’s ability to imagine new concepts, catalyze ideas, and form new solutions, guided by principles that create positive change for humanity.
