Accredited Agricultural Consultant

Ag ConsultingAccredited Agricultural Consultant (AAC) members of the Society provide consulting services to over 5,500 clients who collectively represent over 7 million acres of rural real estate. Clients range from investors and non-operating landowners to farmers and professional agribusinesses. AACs offer expert guidance on diverse topics, from lease types to enterprise profitability and cash flow improvements.

As agriculture evolves with consolidation, technology, specialization, mergers and reformation, the need for skilled consultants grows. AACs, distinguished by their professional designation, are trained to offer premium consulting services, optimizing their client's business operations and capitalizing on future opportunities.

Focused on areas like finance, business structure, personnel management, succession planning and operational issues, AACs emphasize honesty, fairness and high ethical standards, ensuring top-quality service with the utmost integrity.

Designation Pathways

Path to AAC for an Existing AFM:

  1. Attend Agricultural Consulting Procedures
  2. Take and pass the comprehensive examination
  3. Submit work experience (4 years)
  4. Submit proof of an additional 40 hours of consulting education
  5. Submit 2 project reports
  6. Submit a consulting report

Path to AAC for an Existing ALC

  1. Attend Agricultural Consulting Principles
  2. Attend Agricultural Consulting Procedures
  3. Take and pass the comprehensive exam
  4. Submit work experience (4 years)
  5. Submit 2 project reports
  6. Submit a consulting report

Normal Path to AAC:

  1. Attend Agricultural Consulting Principles
  2. Attend Agricultural Consulting Procedures
  3. Take and pass the comprehensive examination
  4. Submit work experience (4 years)
  5. Submit proof of an additional 40 hours of consulting education
  6. Submit 2 project reports
  7. Submit a consulting report

Please take a look at the AAC Checklist under Helpful Links below for full details.

  1. Required coursework:
    • Agricultural Consulting Principles (AAC1) (24 hours)
    • Agricultural Consulting Procedures (AAC2) (24 hours)
    • ASFMRA Best in Business Ethics (2 hours)
    • AAC Electives (40 hours)
    •     Listed below are some approved elective classes:
      • Key Terms and Fee Structures (8 hours) (NCREIF)
      • Investment Analysis and Due Diligence (8 hours)(NCREIF)
      • Essentials of Institutional Real Estate (16 hours) (NCREIF)
      • Tax Deferred 1031 (8 hours) (RLI)
      • Land Investment Analysis (RLI)
      • Transitional Land Real Estate (8 hours) (RLI)
      • Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage (RLI)
    •    *Please note the applicant can use other education for this requirement. The committee will review and approve applicable elective education.
              Total 92 hours
  2. Four years of agricultural consulting experience or equivalent (as approved by the ASFMRA).
  3. A four-year college degree or equivalent (as approved by the ASFMRA). Any equivalent education should be submitted for review very early in the accreditation process so the ASFMRA can determine if the education qualifies.
  4. ASFMRA membership prior to submitting an application for accreditation.
  5. Submission of one consulting report as prescribed by the ASFMRA.
  6. Submit 2 project reports
  7. Comprehensive AAC Accreditation Exam.


Please submit your application and Consulting Plan to accreditation@asfmra.org. Deanna Ilk is available to assist you with questions at dilk@asfmra.org or (303) 692-1222.

Helpful links