STAR: Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources
About Washington STAR
Welcome to WA STAR! As of spring 2026, we're in an exciting time of transition for WA STAR. Our public-facing operations are reduced at this time as we work behind-the-scenes to bring you the best STAR tool for your farm and fields. Please feel free to explore the current STAR tool in the meantime or reach out to WA star coordinator, Emily Whittier (emily.whittier@agr.wa.gov), to learn more about the program. We look forward to bringing a new and improved STAR tool to Washington State soon!
STAR scoring relies on the expertise of local committees made up of university researchers, conservation professionals, and farmers.
Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR) is a free and voluntary conservation assessment tool. Producers answer simple, production-specific questions about their rotation, tillage, nutrient applications, and conservation practices. Answers are converted to a science-based rating of 1-to-5 STARs, and producers are automatically provided a customized Conservation Innovation Plan with connections to technical and financial resources.
STAR is intended to provide farmers:
- A clear pathway to conservation adoption and free, unbiased technical support;
- Public recognition for environmental stewardship;
- Financial support from consumers, supply chain partners, and funding entities;
- A consistent scale for evaluating progress across regions and systems.
Enrollment
- Grains & Legumes
- Orchards & Vineyards
- Vegetable Row Crops
- Grazing Lands
The STAR Tool is open while under development. We welcome your feedback during this time! Please reach out to Emily Whittier at emily.whittier@agr.wa.gov with questions or comments.
STAR Program Highlights
VOLUNTARY PROGRAM
Access the STAR WebTool, a simple, fast, free, and voluntary tool to evaluate field level conservation progress for addressing local natural resource concerns.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Connect with your local STAR Navigator to receive individual technical assistance and guidance on your conservation innovation plan.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
STAR bridges the gap between producers’ perceptions of sustainability and outcomes-based supply chain sustainability programs
ACCESS TO RESOURCES
Currently under development. Check out WaSHI resources to learn about soil health resources and opportunities for WA operations.
Illuminating the pathway to sustained conservation
Washington STAR is an affiliate of the STAR national non-profit organization, which was established to develop and expand conservation practice evaluation, implementation, and valuation.
Learn more about STAR
Former STAR Program Manager Lauren Quackenbush covers how the tool amplifies the work of conservation districts and can be integrated into existing programs
STAR was created by Illinois farmers in 2017 and has since spread across the country. Learn more about the origins of the program here:
STAR in the Spotlight! Read this Wheat Life Magazine article from July 2025: https://wheatlife.org/a-5-star-rating/
Are you a processor, packer, or food company interested in greening your supply chain? Get in touch to find out how STAR can help! WaSHI@agr.wa.gov
Conservation Districts are an essential piece of the STAR puzzle. Get in touch with STAR Coordinator Emily Whittier at emily.whittier@agr.wa.gov to learn more
The Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources program is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.