Farming NAICS Code: Understanding the Classification System for Farming Businesses

Wayne Taylor
Written By Wayne Taylor

What is NAICS?

NAICS, the North American Industry Classification System, is a standard classification system used by the United States, Canada, and Mexico to identify and classify businesses and industries. NAICS is used by government agencies, researchers, and businesses to facilitate data collection, analysis, and reporting. The system uses a hierarchical structure of six-digit codes to classify businesses based on their primary economic activity.

How does NAICS code work?

The six-digit NAICS code system is hierarchical, meaning that the first two digits represent the highest level of classification and the last four digits represent increasingly specific levels of classification. For example, the code for Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting is 11, while the code for Crop Production is 111. The code for Hydroponic Crop Farming is 111419.

What is included in the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting sector?

The Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting sector includes a wide range of businesses and activities related to the production of food, fiber, and other natural resources. Some of the activities included in this sector are:

  • Crop production
  • Animal production
  • Fishing and hunting
  • Logging
  • Support activities for agriculture and forestry

What is the code for hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a type of agriculture that involves growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution instead. The NAICS code for Hydroponic Crop Farming is 111419. This code is part of the Crop Production industry (NAICS code 111), which includes businesses that grow crops for food, fuel, or other uses.

How is indoor gardening classified?

Indoor gardening is a type of horticulture that involves growing plants indoors, often using artificial lighting and climate control. Depending on the type of plants being grown and the purpose of the facility, indoor gardening can fall into different NAICS codes. For example, if the facility is primarily growing food crops for sale, it would be classified under the Crop Production industry (NAICS code 111). If the facility is primarily growing ornamental plants or flowers for sale, it would be classified under the Floriculture Production industry (NAICS code 11142).

What about vertical farming?

Vertical farming is a type of urban agriculture that involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often using artificial lighting and controlled environments. The NAICS code for Vertical Farming is not specifically listed in the NAICS system. However, depending on the type of crops being grown and the purpose of the facility, it could fall under different NAICS codes. For example, if the facility is primarily growing food crops for sale, it would be classified under the Crop Production industry (NAICS code 111). If the facility is primarily growing ornamental plants or flowers for sale, it would be classified under the Floriculture Production industry (NAICS code 11142).

What is the NAICS code for urban gardening?

Urban gardening is a type of horticulture that involves growing plants in urban areas, often in small spaces like balconies, rooftops, or community gardens. The NAICS code for Urban Gardening is not specifically listed in the NAICS system. However, depending on the type of plants being grown and the purpose of the garden, it could fall under different NAICS codes. For example, if the garden is primarily growing food crops for sale, it would be classified under the Crop Production industry (NAICS code 111). If the garden is primarily growing ornamental plants or flowers for sale, it would be classified under the Floriculture Production industry (NAICS code 11142).

In conclusion, understanding the NAICS code system is important for businesses and individuals involved in agriculture and related industries. By properly classifying businesses and activities, the NAICS system helps to facilitate data collection, analysis, and reporting, which can be used to inform policy decisions, research, and business planning. While some types of agriculture, like hydroponics and vertical farming, may not have specific NAICS codes, they can still be classified under existing codes based on the type of crops being grown and the purpose of the operation.