The Southbank Learning Farm is SEEAG’s transformative new initiative bringing together sustainable agriculture, workforce development, rehabilitation, and community food access. Approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on March 3, 2026, through a 20-year, $0-per-year social benefit lease, the project transforms County-owned farmland in Oxnard into a place where agriculture creates meaningful opportunities for people and the community.

Located on 3.63 acres behind the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center, the farm builds on the legacy of the former Senior Nutrition Farm. In partnership with the Ventura County Probation Agency, Southbank will provide hands-on agricultural training, paid work opportunities, and holistic development for justice-involved youth. The farm will also engage community volunteers in growing and caring for the land while cultivating an estimated 25,000–50,000 pounds of fresh produce each year, all donated to support VCPA youth and the community.

More than a farm, Southbank Learning Farm is an investment in people, opportunity, and a stronger local food system. Through education, meaningful work, and community partnership, SEEAG is creating a place where young people can build skills and confidence, productive farmland can serve a renewed purpose, and fresh food can reach those who need it most.

Here, resilience is nurtured, skills are developed, and new possibilities can grow.

SEEAG’S SOUTHBANK LEARNING FARM

Support The Southbank Learning Farm

Southbank Learning Farm Wish List

As we build out our space, we're gathering tools and equipment for hands-on youth learning. Click the categories below to view some items we need at the farm. If you or your organization have any of these items on hand or would like to contribute one, we’d be so grateful! Have an item to donate? Fill out this quick form to let us know!

    • Compact Tractor

    • Utility Trailer

    • BCS Rotary Plow

    • BCS Power Harrow

    • BCS Flail Mower

    • Seeds

    • Seedlings

    • Compost

    • Mulch

    • Gravel or DG

    • Garden Carts

    • Wheelbarrows

    • Multi-Tool Power Tool Set

    • Weed Wackers

    • Collapsible Produce Crates

    • Harvest Buckets

    • Shears/Pruners

    • Harvest Knives

    • Extendable Fruit Pickers

    • On-Farm Library (Books & Resources

    • Hydroponic Glow Trays

    • Nutrient Solution

    • pH Meter

    • Grow Lights

    • Air Pump

    • Rowckwool Cubes

    • Gloves

    • Moisture Meters

    • EC Meters

    • TDS Probe

    • pH Litmus Paper

    • Filter Bags

    • White Board

    • Work Boots

    • Wide-Brimmed Hats

    • Long-Sleeved & Short-Sleeved Shirts

    • Work Gloves

    • Reusable Water Bottles

    • Logbooks

    • Laptop Computers

VOLUNTEER AT SLF

Looking for a hands-on way to support our farm space? Lending your time and energy is one of the best ways to help us build out our educational spaces.

From site prep to ongoing farm help, hands-on volunteers make our work possible. Check out the upcoming volunteer opportunities at Southbank!

SLF Volunteer Opportunities

First time volunteering with SEEAG?
Don’t forget to fill out our release!

Liability Waiver

  • The Southbank Learning Farm is SEEAG’s new three-acre education and agriculture site in Oxnard where hands-on farming, workforce development, and mentorship opportunities will support justice-involved youth while producing fresh, locally grown food for the community.

  • The farm is located on County-owned land behind the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Facilities in Oxnard. The site was previously home to the Senior Nutrition Farm and will now be revitalized as an educational and workforce development farm.

  • On-farm programs will primarily serve youth involved in the Ventura County juvenile justice system through a partnership with the Ventura County Probation Agency. Participants will gain hands-on experience in agriculture, job readiness skills, and mentorship opportunities that support personal growth and future career pathways.

  • Participants will gain hands-on experience in modern farming practices, including soil health assessment and improvement, crop production, integrated pest management, greenhouse production, irrigation, and harvest and post-harvest handling. Alongside these technical skills, youth will develop important personal skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. The program is designed to support a successful transition back into the community upon release, helping participants build confidence, practical experience, and pathways for success beyond the justice system.

  • Development of the farm begins now, following the approval of the lease agreement with the County of Ventura on March 3, 2026. Program development and farm infrastructure will take place in phases as SEEAG prepares the site for youth programming for the 2026-2027 academic year.

  • In addition to providing education and job training opportunities for youth, the Southbank Learning Farm will produce over 30,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables annually, all of which will be donated to those in need, including youth housed at the Juvenile Justice Facility.

  • Yes. As the Southbank Learning Farm develops, SEEAG plans to offer consistent volunteer opportunities for community members who want to support the farm and its programs. Volunteers may assist with farm projects, planting and harvest activities, and special events that help bring the farm to life while supporting youth programming.

  • Community members and organizations can support the farm through financial contributions, program sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities that help bring the farm’s programs and educational experiences to life.

  • SEEAG’s goal is to raise $1,000,000 to support the development and long-term sustainability of the Southbank Learning Farm. These funds will be invested across five key forms of capital needed to establish and operate the farm, including land and infrastructure improvements, program development, staffing, equipment, and financial reserves.

    This investment will support the first five years of development and operations, allowing SEEAG to build the farm, launch youth programming, and establish an endowment fund that will provide long-term financial sustainability for the project and its impact in the community.

GOAL: $1,000,000

5-YEAR INVESTMENT IN 5 KINDS OF CAPITAL

Investment supports the development of on-farm leadership; farming, nutrition and wellness programs; and paid work experience opportunities for justice-involved youth.
Investment Goal: $840,000

HUMAN

Investment supports activities that build soil health; expand native and pollinator habitat; create space to experiment with and demonstrate regenerative agricultural practices; and promote water conservation.
Investment Goal: $50,000

NATURAL

PHYSICAL

Investment supports the physical transformation of the site into a safe and productive learning farm; the development of a greenhouse, composting station, post-harvest station, teaching, and storage spaces.
Investment Goal: $50,000

Investment supports community engagement opportunities; senior and corporate volunteer programs; establishing an advisory committee; and advancing a network of community partners.
Investment Goal: $30,000

SOCIAL

Investment supports long-term financial sustainability by securing multi-year and expanded grant funding; launching an endowment fund; and advancing strategic growth initiatives and partnerships.
Investment Goal: $30,000

FINANCIAL

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A MESSAGE FROM SEEAG’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THANK YOU TO OUR GROWING SOUTHBANK COMMUNITY OF PARTNERS

Interested in becoming a foundational supporter of the Southbank Learning Farm?
Contact us at info@seeag.org to learn more about how you can customize your impact.