111120 - Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming

Introduction

If you’re involved in agricultural business or government contracting, understanding specific NAICS codes is essential. One such important code is NAICS 111120, which covers Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming. This industry plays a vital role in the agriculture sector by cultivating oilseed crops that are crucial for producing vegetable oils and related products. Whether you’re a farmer, supplier, or contractor, knowing about NAICS 111120 can open doors to new business opportunities and compliance with federal contracting regulations.

What is NAICS Code 111120?

NAICS 111120 is the official classification for establishments primarily engaged in growing oilseed crops, excluding soybeans. Unlike soybean farming, this category focuses on oilseed crops such as sunflower seeds, canola, and safflower. These crops are cultivated mainly to extract vegetable oils, which are essential for cooking, industrial applications, biofuels, and more.

Key Characteristics:

• Focus on oilseed crops excluding soybeans
• Production for vegetable oil extraction and related goods
• Encompasses a variety of oilseed plants including sunflower, canola, and safflower

Sector: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting

NAICS 111120 falls under the broad sector of Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting. This sector includes businesses engaged in the cultivation of crops and raising of animals. Specifically, oilseed farming is a sub-sector focused on crops grown primarily for their oil content rather than direct consumption of seeds.

Typical Business Activities

Businesses included in NAICS 111120 are involved in:

• Growing sunflower seeds for oil and other products
• Cultivating canola for high-quality vegetable oil and biofuel production
• Safflower farming geared toward oil extraction and specialty food ingredients

Size Standard for NAICS 111120

For government contracting and SBA purposes, the size standard for oilseed (except soybean) farming businesses is set at:

• $2.25 million in average annual receipts

This means that to qualify as a small business under this NAICS code, a company must have average annual revenues at or below this threshold. This size standard is crucial for small business certifications and eligibility for specific contracting opportunities.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 111120

Examples of businesses that might fall under this NAICS code include:

• A family-owned sunflower seed farm supplying raw seeds to oil processors
• A canola farming operation focused on sustainable oilseed crop production for food-grade and industrial oils
• A safflower seed farm specializing in niche oils used in cosmetics and health foods

These farms contribute to the vital supply chain of oilseed products across the U.S. and abroad.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NAICS 111120

What exactly does NAICS 111120 cover?

NAICS 111120 covers establishments primarily engaged in growing oilseed crops other than soybeans, including sunflower, canola, and safflower farming.

Is soybean farming included in this code?

No, soybean farming has its own separate NAICS code (111110). NAICS 111120 excludes soybeans and focuses on other oilseeds.

What is the relevance of the size standard?

The SBA size standard of $2.25 million in average annual receipts helps determine if a business qualifies as a small business for government contracting and other programs.

Can a sunflower seed farm qualify under this code?

Yes, sunflower seed farms primarily engaged in growing sunflower seeds for oil extraction fall under NAICS 111120.

Why is this NAICS code important for contractors?

Understanding the correct NAICS code ensures accurate business classification, improves chances for federal contract awards, and helps meet regulatory requirements.

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Conclusion

NAICS Code 111120 – Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming represents a specialized yet significant part of the agriculture sector. By cultivating essential oilseed crops like sunflower, canola, and safflower, businesses under this code contribute to the production of vegetable oils used worldwide. Whether you are a farmer, supplier, or contractor, recognizing the details and requirements of this NAICS code—including sector classification, typical activities, and size standards—can enhance your business strategy and eligibility for government contracting opportunities.

For more insights on agriculture-related NAICS codes and government contracting tips, stay tuned to our blog.