The Extension Master Gardener Program

The Extension Master Gardener Program has evolved from a mid-19th century political movement calling for the creation of agricultural colleges as a result of early civil war legislation forming land-grant colleges. Kentucky has two land-grant institutions: University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University.

The Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture, State Cooperative Extension Services, land-grand universities, 1890 institutions and county government. Funding for the Cooperative Extension Service is provided by federal, state, and local governments. Policy considerations, program development and program emphasis is developed through cooperative efforts. In fact, the Extension Service is very much a grass-roots organization, often focused on local issues.

Mission & Diversity Statement

The University of Kentucky is a public, land-grant university dedicated to improving people's lives through excellence in education, research, and creative work, service and health care. As Kentucky's flagship institution, the University plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development and human well-being.

The University of Kentucky:

Facilitates learning, informed by scholarship and research.
Expands knowledge through research, scholarship, and creative activity.
Serves a global community by disseminating, sharing, and applying knowledge.

The University, as the flagship institution, plays a critical leadership role for the Commonwealth by contributing to the economic development and quality of life within Kentucky's borders and beyond. The University nurtures a diverse community characterized by fairness and equal opportunity.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.