LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension agents and staff returned from a 12-day educational journey through England and Scotland, where they examined food insecurity, public engagement and agricultural practices with international partners who found surprising parallels to Kentucky's work.

Led by Jason Swanson, an associate professor in the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management, the group visited London, Cambridge, Newmarket and Edinburgh, connecting with organizations addressing community needs through agriculture and nutrition education. "It was awesome to watch the agents and staff learn while traveling as they recognized similarities and differences between their work and what they experienced," Swanson said.

In London, the group toured the Kensington Gardens Allotment, a public garden system designed to increase local food production and volunteer participation. Alivia Stevens, family and consumer sciences agent from Scott County, noted the similarities to Kentucky's farmers markets and community gardens. "I'm most excited to learn more about food access that they have through the food allotment system and how we can better provide for our communities more accessible, nutrient-dense food," Stevens said.

At Cambridge University, the group met with Lucinda Spokes, director of public engagement, who praised the scale of UK Extension's reach across Kentucky's 120 counties. "I'm absolutely astonished by the scale of the work that you do within communities, with older people, with young people," Spokes said.

Newmarket, England, one of Lexington's sister cities, proved particularly relevant to Kentucky participants. The market town northeast of Cambridge is known as the "Home of Horseracing," with training gallops and award-winning stables throughout. Steven Musen, Jessamine County agriculture and natural resources agent, noted the forage similarities between Newmarket's exercise fields and Kentucky bluegrass pastures. Both cities share deep connections to the thoroughbred horse industry, making the partnership natural.

In Edinburgh, Scotland, the group visited Edinburgh Community Food, which addresses Scotland's food insecurity through nutrition education and community partnerships. Chief Executive Officer Brenda Black explained the organization's philosophy: "We want to give them the opportunity to move on in life using great local projects, connecting with the community and having increased life chances." The group also toured Kilburns Farm, which practices sustainable rotational grazing and produces Scottish Merino wool.

The trip highlighted how UK Extension's work addressing food insecurity and community development mirrors global efforts to strengthen local food systems and public health.