Press Release

IRMI Acquires Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS™) Certification Program

Dallas, TX, August 8, 2013—International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI), has entered into an agreement with the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California (IIABCal) to acquire the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS^™) certification program.

The AFIS certification is the industry's only professional credential for those who serve the farm and agribusiness communities. More than 1,500 people have earned the AFIS certification and another 1,400 are in the process of completing its requirements.

Under the agreement, IRMI becomes the owner of the AFIS certification and will help IIABCal market its Agribusiness Conference, which insurance professionals currently attend to earn the certification.

"IRMI's superior national brand recognition and extensive experience with creating high-quality, industry-focused professional certifications, coupled with the ability of their WebCE subsidiary to deliver educational content and administer exams online were all contributing factors in this decision," said IIABCal CEO Clark Payan.

IRMI President and CEO Jack Gibson said, "This educational program is designed to give agents, brokers, underwriters, and insurance buyers the specialized knowledge and expertise they need to properly insure farms and agribusinesses. We are very excited about working with IIABCal to enhance the AFIS certification program and extend its reach across America."

By certifying agents and brokers, this program helps risk managers and insurance buyers for farms and agribusiness determine whether an agent or broker has the expertise necessary to properly insure their risk exposures. IRMI will soon launch a free online directory listing those who hold the AFIS certification. Agents and brokers who currently hold the AFIS certification may choose to be listed in the AFIS Broker Directory.

Designees also now have access to a reaccreditation course in the AFIS Learning Center. Anyone in the AFIS program may join the AFIS LinkedIn group.

Learn more about the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS™) certification program.