New farm body seeks chartered status for consultants and managers

A new body, which brings together the Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM) and the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants (BIAC), is seeking chartered status for consultants and managers.

The Society of Agriculture (SocAg), launched on 1 January, was created to establish the necessary structure, standards, and collective voice for the effective functioning of agriculture.

One of its core goals is to achieve chartered status, which it says would demonstrate excellence and leadership in agricultural consultancy and management.

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Simon Britton, chairman of SocAg, said professions such as accountancy, surveying and environmental management have long benefited from the credibility and trust that chartership provides and agriculture deserves the same formal recognition.

“Chartered status would set a clear benchmark for professionalism, accountability and leadership.

“And give the sector a stronger, more credible voice with government, industry and the public,” he said.

Collaborative voice

The new body aims to unite expertise from farming, consultancy, rural business and environmental management, providing a single, authoritative platform for independent advice, leadership, collaboration and professional development.

SocAg builds on IAgrM’s long-standing legacy of professional leadership and BIAC’s technical strength, creating a modern, independent and collaborative professional home for those working across agriculture and land-based industries.

“Agriculture has always been rooted in skill, stewardship and innovation,” Mr Britton added.

“With the launch of SocAg, it will also be a profession defined by unity, visibility and confidence — ready to meet both the opportunities and challenges ahead.”