311224 - Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing
If you're involved in food manufacturing or agricultural processing, understanding NAICS code 311224 - Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing is essential. This industry classification plays a vital role in extracting valuable oils and producing related byproducts that power the food and animal feed markets. Whether you’re a government contractor, supplier, or business owner, knowing the ins and outs of this NAICS code will help you navigate regulatory requirements, identify market opportunities, and optimize your business operations.
What is NAICS Code 311224?
NAICS 311224 covers establishments primarily engaged in processing soybeans and other oilseeds. These facilities extract oils and manufacture key products such as:
- Soybean oil
- Oilseed meal (byproduct used for animal feed)
- Soybean flour and grits
- Other specialized oilseed products
The processing often involves crushing the seeds in mills, refining oils, and producing proteins and lecithin used in various food and industrial applications.
Sector: Food Manufacturing
NAICS 311224 belongs to the broader Food Manufacturing sector. This sector encompasses all processes involved in converting raw agricultural products into consumable food and related products. Oilseed processing is crucial as it supports:
- Human edible oils
- Animal feed production
- Industrial and nutritional inputs
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 311224
Businesses classified under this NAICS code usually engage in:
- Extraction of soybean oil and other vegetable oils through crushing and refining
- Production of soybean meal and cakes for livestock feed
- Manufacturing lecithin (natural emulsifier) from cottonseed and soybeans
- Producing specialty oils such as castor, coconut, linseed, and palm-kernel oils
- Creating protein concentrates and isolates for food ingredient applications
Examples of Businesses Included
- Soybean oil extraction plants
- Oilseed crushing and refining facilities
- Production plants for soybean meal and animal feed
Size Standards for NAICS 311224
To qualify as a small business under NAICS 311224 for government contracting and eligibility purposes, the maximum employee size standard is typically 1,250 employees. This standard helps define which firms qualify for small business set-asides and other preferential programs.
Detailed Code Descriptions and Products
The following table summarizes the key oilseed and related products covered under NAICS 311224:
| Product Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Canola (Rapeseed) Oil, Cake, and Meal | Extracted in crushing mills |
| Castor Oil and Pomace | Derived from crushing mills |
| Coconut Oil | Made in crushing mills |
| Cottonseed Oil, Cake, and Meal | Extracted in crushing mills |
| Flaxseed Oil | Produced by crushing mills |
| Lecithin (Cottonseed and Soybean) | Extracted in oilseed crushing mills |
| Linseed Oil, Cake, and Meal | Manufactured in crushing mills |
| Olive Oil | Extracted in crushing mills |
| Palm-Kernel Oil, Cake, and Meal | Made in crushing mills |
| Peanut Cake, Meal, and Oil | Produced in crushing mills |
| Rapeseed (Canola) Oil | Extracted in crushing mills |
| Safflower Oil | Made by crushing mills |
| Shortening | Produced through crushing and refining |
| Soybean Cakes and Meal | Manufactured as byproducts in oil extraction |
| Soybean Flour and Grits | Processed from soybeans |
| Soybean Millfeed | Produced as byproduct in oil mills |
| Soybean Oil Mills | Facilities dedicated to soybean oil extraction |
| Soybean Oil (Crude, Deodorized, Refined) | Processed at various refining stages |
| Soybean Protein Concentrates | Extracted during oilseed processing |
| Soybean Protein Isolates | Derived from crushed soybeans |
| Sunflower Seed Oil, Cake, and Meal | Made in crushing mills |
| Tree Nut Oils (e.g., Tung, Walnut) | Extracted in crushing mills |
| Vegetable Oils | General category for oils made in crushing mills |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of facilities fall under NAICS 311224?
Facilities engaged in crushing, extracting, refining, and processing soybeans and other oilseeds, including mills producing oils, meals, and related byproducts.
How does NAICS 311224 differ from other oilseed processing codes?
This code specifically focuses on soybean and similar oilseeds, while other codes may cover different types of food manufacturing or oil extraction processes.
What are the primary products of this industry?
Key products include soybean oil, soybean meal, lecithin, protein concentrates, and various other vegetable oils like canola, sunflower, cottonseed, and palm-kernel oil.
Can businesses under this code produce animal feed?
Yes, many facilities produce soybean meal and cakes that are predominantly used as animal feed.
What is the small business size standard for NAICS 311224?
Up to 1,250 employees.
Where can I find contracting opportunities related to NAICS 311224?
Government contracting portals like SAM.gov often list solicitations related to oilseed processing and food manufacturing.
By fully understanding NAICS code 311224 - Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing, businesses can better position themselves for government contracts, optimize their manufacturing processes, and expand their market reach within the food manufacturing sector. Whether producing cooking oils, animal feed, or specialty protein products, this classification plays a key role in the agricultural and food industries.
