STAR Program: New tools to assess and advance conservation agriculture
The STAR (Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources) program is gaining traction in Washington and beyond—providing a free, science-based tool to evaluate the conservation impact of farm management practices.
Developed in response to producer requests for tools that improve both soil health and farm profitability, STAR supports a future where soil health practices are both practical and financially viable.
What is STAR?
Washington STAR is a FREE and voluntary program that uses a science-based 1-to-5 STAR rating system to evaluate a participant’s engagement in conservation. Participants are connected to local technical and financial assistance to help them maintain or improve their STAR scores. The program has been developed by a diverse coalition of commodity groups, researchers, conservation districts, and producer networks.
At the heart of STAR is the Conservation Innovation Plan—a step in the STAR web tool that connects producers directly to local and national resources for customized support. Through this framework, STAR helps producers plan and improve their soil health practices. Additionally, Washington STAR is currently developing a suite of STAR-exclusive financial incentives along with partners in the supply chain. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities!
Enrollment is live!
STAR has recently launched a new online tool that allows producers to assess conservation practices by crop type. You can access it today at: https://startool.ag
Enrollment is currently available for producers of:
- 🌾 Grains & Legumes (irrigated & non-irrigated)
- 🍎 Orchards & Vineyards
Coming soon: Enrollment will open for producers of:
- 🥕 Vegetable Row Crops
- 🐄 Grazing Systems
These tools are tailored by crop-specific advisory committees, ensuring that STAR remains relevant across diverse farming systems in Washington.
Why should you use STAR?
Many Washington producers are eager to implement soil health practices but face economic barriers to experimentation and long-term adoption. STAR addresses this by:
✅ Connecting you to technical and financial resources
✅ Offering a standardized way to evaluate conservation practices
✅ Helping you qualify for incentive programs
✅ Providing a roadmap for long-term soil health success
Get STARted today!
Visit https://startool.ag to explore the tool, complete a STAR assessment for your field, and take the first step toward enhanced soil health and conservation incentives.
Want to learn more?
- Are you a processor, packer, or food company interested in greening your supply chain? Get in touch to find out how STAR can help! Email us at WaSHI@agr.wa.gov.
- Learn more on the WSDA-STAR or Washington Soil Health Intiative webpages, or sign up for the STAR newsletter.
- Read about STAR in the Spotlight in the July 2025 edition of Wheat Life Magazine.
