All employers in the United States are classified into one of nine major industries according to the firm's primary activity, service or product. The codes are designed to group business establishments having similar characteristics. By using a standard classification code for all establishments in the United States, the data is uniform and comparable.
Statistical agencies can analyze establishment data based various levels of detail.
Goods - Producing Industries Agriculture Mining Construction Manufacturing Employers engaged primarily in agricultural production, commercial fishing, forestry or other related fields are classified under Agriculture. Agricultural production covers establishments such as farms, nurseries, greenhouses and orchards involved in the production of crops, plants, flowers and seeds. Also included under agricultural production are establishments such as ranches, dairies, and specialty animal farms. Commercial fishing establishments are included in the Agriculture industry as well as commercial hunting and trapping. Fish hatcheries, game preserves and establishments involved in forestry or forestry services are all elements of the Agriculture industry.