In 1957 "Spec" Collins of Marstellar Advertising formed the Chicago Area Agricultural Advertising Association, a group of advertising representatives, agency men and advertising managers who gathered monthly for a short program and exchange of ideas. Once a year the organization hosted a day-long seminar that included educational programs and panel discussions.

Three years after the CAAAA was originated, the first advertising recognition was given to the "10 best ads of the year," and in 1962 the first Agri-Marketing Man of the Year was honored. By 1965 New York, Minneapolis, Kansas City and Omaha expressed interest in the Chicago organization. With a spread of new chapters, the organization was renamed the National Agricultural Advertising and Marketing Association (NAAMA). Bob Kunkel with the Leo Burnett Agency in Chicago was elected the first president and served two years.

Eleven years after its origin, the organization had grown to 11 chapters and 1,100 members. The first National Conference was held in Kansas City in 1968. And in 1969 R.C. Ferguson was named the first permanent full-time Executive Secretary. Later that same year the first student NAMA chapter formed at California Polytechnic & State University - San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly-SLO).

By 1973 leaders in the organization realized "Advertising and Marketing" were redundant, and therefore renamed NAAMA to the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA). The following year a national office was established with full-time, paid staff members.

In 1981 the National Award for Agricultural Excellence was created, and the organization had grown to 2,100 members in 20 professional chapters. Also 20 student chapters were accredited.

NAMA celebrated its 40th Birthday at the 1997 Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show in Nashville, and continues to be a solid organization. To date, NAMA consists of 3,500 members globally, with 25 U.S. chapters and four Canadian chapters. There are 37 accredited student chapters.

In 1997, the organization, continuing to focus on the local chapter, introduced five regions across the United States to promote regional seminars and meetings, along with the regional Best of NAMA program. All chapters are included in one of the five regions.

During the 2000 Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City, the Executive Committee introduced NAMA's new Purpose Statement: The National Agri-Marketing Association serves the food and fiber industry, focusing on our members' professional development by providing access to solutions and opportunities in agribusiness.