This paper gives the basic statistics concerning the numbers concerned with the UK agricultural industry and also suggests the definition of a profession. It places Farm Management firmly in the list of professions and outlines the need to relate academic qualifications with practical experience. The lack of formal recognition of professional status in the past is stated and details given of the new Institute of Agricultural Management. This Institute clearly bestows professional status on those that qualify for membership. This situation should now help to harmonise qualifications on an international basis.