The Agrologists Act of 1960 established the Institute to operate as a non-profit organization with legal, professional status. Since that time it has been responsible for ensuring that all those who are practicing agrology are competent and act in a professional manner.

Membership in NBIA provides both opportunities and challenges in serving the profession of agriculture through:

• participation in programs to benefit the agriculture and food industry;
• development of the professional skills of members in the practice of their profession;

These roles are accomplished by:

• meeting presentations on pertinent topics;
• issue-analysis groups to critically examine issues and make recommendations to appropriate public organizations;
• education programs for the professional development of members and recognition of achievements;
• informational activities for the benefit and information of members, the agriculture and food industry, and the general public;

The range of NBIA activities encompasses all segments of the agriculture and food system, including energy, land use, conservation, plant and animal sciences, agricultural business, marketing, as well as consumer and social concerns.

Advantages of membership in NBIA include the legal status of a professional and the entitlement to use the designation P.Ag. (Professional Agrologist); opportunity to interact with other professionals; assists with career development; contribute to policy formulation and improvement of the agriculture industry; improve knowledge and proficiency through professional development; increase communications among agrologists; as well as personal benefits such as insurances and discounts.