Growing Opportunities: Partnership Connects Students with Disabilities to Agricultural Careers

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Tom and Jane McCall participated in the GVRA Day rally at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia.

The partnership between the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) continues to thrive, rooted in a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for Georgians with disabilities, especially in the state’s rural communities.

The collaboration bridges GVRA’s mission of helping Georgians with disabilities find meaningful employment with GFB’s focus on supporting Georgia’s agricultural economy. Through a signature event – GVRA Day at the Fair – the two organizations are working to ensure that people with disabilities are not only aware of careers in agriculture but are also actively encouraged and equipped to pursue them.

The primary goal of hosting the event each year is to raise awareness about GVRA’s core mission, which is to help Georgians with disabilities secure meaningful employment so they can lead independent lives. Last year, the agenda included an educational rally for approximately 1,800 students with disabilities.

“We’re excited to continue this partnership with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency at the county and state levels,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President and CEO Tom McCall.  “By working together, we can improve agricultural education, support our farmers, and ensure a brighter future for individuals who earn their living in agriculture. We look forward to watching this partnership grow.”   

A key moment at the October 2024 event was a speech delivered by McCall to students, emphasizing the important role agriculture plays in the state’s economy and encouraging students to consider opportunities in the industry. 

“There is a place for everyone who’s interested in agriculture to work in agriculture, including students with disabilities,” McCall shared.  “They bring unique skills and perspectives. Through this partnership with GVRA, we want to create an environment where all students can learn, grow, and contribute.”

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Lauren Goble of the Georgia Farm Bureau spoke to an audience of 1,800 students during the GVRA Day rally at the Fair.

When asked about the relationship that has developed between the agency and the Georgia Farm Bureau, Executive Director Chris Wells added, "This partnership is about more than just events – it’s about opening doors. Agriculture offers meaningful career paths, and it’s important that individuals with disabilities know they have a place in the top industry for our state. I deeply value the leadership of President Tom McCall and GVRS Board Member Jane McCall, whose commitment helps make our shared efforts so impactful for students across our state.”

This year, GVRA Day at the Fair will be held on October 3 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry.  

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