SEEAG’s mission is to educate students and the greater community about the farm origins of food and agriculture’s contribution to our nutritional well-being through experiential, STEM-based learning.
2 COUNTIES | 4 PROGRAMS | 80 SCHOOLS | 33 SCHOOL DISTRICTS | 5,000+ STUDENTS & 12,000+ COMMUNITY MEMBERS ANNUALLY | 100% FREE
Opening Eyes to Agriculture Since 2008
At Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) we believe that every student and person deserves the opportunity to understand where their food comes from, how it is grown, and how farming impacts our health, communities, and environment. Since 2008, SEEAG has provided 100% free, hands-on agricultural education to tens of thousands of students and families throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and surrounding counties.
Our programs exist because of the growing disconnect between people and the sources of their food. This distance has consequences. It weakens food literacy, obscures the stewardship required to care for our land and water, erodes our shared agricultural identity, and influences policies that shape the future of local farming. When communities are disconnected from farming, it becomes harder to understand and value the innovation, stewardship, and commitment required to sustainably feed us all.
Our programs help open the doors of working farms, bring classroom learning to life outdoors, and help students and community members make meaningful connections between soil, water, plants, food systems, and personal well-being.
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Research tells us that understanding the journey of food, from soil to table, boosts students’ scientific curiosity, inspires healthier eating habits, and builds appreciation for local food systems. Our Farm-to-Food Lab and Youth Wellness Initiative programs guide students through the food system in ways that remain with them long after the school day ends.
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Outdoor, experiential learning helps students connect more deeply with science and the natural world. On a working farm, students engage their senses, ask questions, and discover the origins of food in ways that spark wonder and reinforce learning.
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Agriculture intersects with science, technology, business, and sustainability. By exposing students to real-world agricultural systems and career pathways, SEEAG helps cultivate the next generation of thoughtful, informed leaders ready to solve complex challenges in food, health, and the environment. Our STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture program helps middle and high school students explore local career opportunities and connect with the farming happening all around them.
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Through our Farm Day Every Day initiative and annual county Farm Day events, SEEAG connects community members directly with growers to celebrate agricultural heritage, deepen understanding, and foster food and farming advocacy. These shared experiences build trust, strengthen relationships, and contribute to more resilient local food systems.
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Local agriculture is a cornerstone of our regional economy, identity, and food security. SEEAG works hand in hand with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses to elevate their voices and share their stories. We help build understanding of the challenges and innovations shaping modern agriculture, from water to labor to sustainability, and foster respect for the people who grow and harvest our food. This connection strengthens trust between consumers and producers, encourages buying local, and helps ensure that agriculture remains a vibrant part of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties for generations to come.
Why Our Work Matters