STAR AFFILIATES: Washington STAR

STAR launched in Washington in 2023 as part of the ongoing work of the Washington Soil Health Initiative (WaSHI). WaSHI, a tri-agency partnership between the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), the State Conservation Commission, and Washington State University, promotes soil health through research, technical support, outreach and education, incentives, and policy support. Core WaSHI projects include a statewide soil sampling effort called the State of the Soils Assessment; a network of long-term agroecological research and extension sites; a grant program called Sustainable Farms and Fields that funds the reduction of agricultural greenhouse gases and increased carbon sequestration; and SoilCon, an annual multi-day event that brings together researchers, producers, and stakeholders to discuss soil health practices and innovations. These projects were informed by the findings of an initial statewide needs assessment, published as the Soil Health Roadmap. As part of this needs assessment, growers also asked WaSHI to help generate market-based, economic value for their conservation practices. WaSHI sought out STAR in direct response to those requests. STAR was chosen for its scientific credibility, its consistent scale for evaluating progress across regions and systems, and its potential to unite soil health champions in Washington with those across the country. Washington STAR will open for grower enrollment at WSDA in Summer 2024.

Dani Gelardi is the Senior Soil Scientist and Climate Coordinator at the Washington State Department of Agriculture, where she leads soil and climate efforts for the agency including the Washington Soil Health Initiative. She is also Adjunct Faculty at Washington State University in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Dani received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Soils & Biogeochemistry from the University of California, Davis, as a Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellow, and her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research program encompasses soil health measurements, biochar, conservation practice adoption, and carbon accounting in agricultural lands.

Emily Whittier joined Washington State Department of Agriculture in 2026 as the Market and Incentives Specialist. Emily’s role focuses on identifying, creating, and promoting economic incentives for the adoption of soil health practices on Washington farms. Emily joined WSDA after almost 5 years at Washington State University (WSU) Extension, where she worked with the WSU Farm Stress program and the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center. Emily is passionate about supporting the producers who feed, fuel, & clothe us all. Emily has a B.A. from Smith College and a Masters of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy from Vermont Law and Graduate School. Outside of work, you can find Emily hosting potlucks with her friends, chatting with loved ones, and exploring Washington’s natural beauty with her dogs. 

Derek Thedell joined Washington State Department of Agriculture as the Climate Services Technical Specialist in July 2025. He holds a master’s degree in environmental studies from the Evergreen State College. At NRAS, Derek contributes technical expertise for many climate initiatives including the Livestock Composting program and STAR. Before coming to NRAS, Derek worked to establish and run the Compost Reimbursement Program at WSDA during its two years of funding. Outside of the agency, Derek has worked in wetland delineation, environmental education in prisons, and digital soil mapping. During his free time Derek loves cooking, exploring our many beaches with his dog, and reading fantasy novels.