NAICS 1132

Forest Nurseries & Gathering of Forest Products

Forest nurseries and forest products gathering industry overview, covering tree seedling production, non-timber forest products, market trends, and regulatory landscape.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 1132 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
932
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
185
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$57.4M
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$61,586
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Forest nurseries and gathering of forest products (NAICS 1132) encompasses establishments engaged in growing tree seedlings and other forest plants in nurseries for reforestation and afforestation purposes, as well as the harvesting and collection of natural forest products. This industry includes operations that produce nursery stock for timber production, environmental restoration, and landscaping applications, alongside businesses that gather forest botanicals, mushrooms, berries, nuts, bark, and other non-timber forest products. The industry serves critical functions in supporting timber supply chains, ecosystem restoration efforts, and the broader forest economy.

Operations within this industry group range from specialized tree nurseries serving commercial forestry operations to small enterprises harvesting wild forest products for food, medicinal, and ornamental markets. The sector is geographically concentrated in regions with significant forestland, particularly the Pacific Northwest, Southeast, and Northeastern United States. These businesses operate within complex regulatory frameworks governing environmental protection, sustainable harvesting, and land management practices.

The industry plays a vital economic and ecological role by supporting forest regeneration, maintaining biodiversity, and providing employment in rural communities. Market demand is driven by timber industry requirements for reforestation, increasing environmental restoration projects, and growing consumer interest in natural forest products. Success requires understanding silviculture principles, regulatory compliance, market demand for specific species and products, and sustainable resource management practices.

Who Uses These Reports

Trusted by professionals who need verified federal data to make decisions

Investors & PE Firms

Size markets, validate deal theses, and benchmark targets with verified federal data before committing capital

Consultants & Advisors

Deliver data-backed recommendations to clients with sourced and cited industry metrics — Census, BLS, and FRED

Founders & Operators

Validate market entry, benchmark against industry averages, and present credible data to investors and boards

Corporate Strategy Teams

Support expansion planning, M&A due diligence, and executive reporting with NAICS-classified industry data

See what's inside a report

Market sizing, workforce analysis, competitive landscape, regulatory environment — all sourced from Census, BLS, FRED, and SEC EDGAR.

Download a free sample report

Industry Trends

01

Increasing investment in forest restoration and reforestation projects driven by climate change concerns and government incentive programs such as carbon sequestration initiatives is expanding demand for native tree seedlings and forest plants.

02

Growing market for specialty forest products including medicinal mushrooms, wild ginseng, and foraged botanicals reflects rising consumer demand for natural and organic products in food, supplement, and wellness markets.

03

Adoption of advanced nursery technologies including improved propagation techniques, precision forestry tools, and supply chain tracking systems is improving productivity and enabling better matching of plant genetics to reforestation sites.

04

Regulatory expansion requiring sustainable harvesting practices and ecosystem-based management is driving operational changes and creating compliance costs while potentially creating opportunities for certified sustainable product premiums.

05

Development of niche markets for native plant material and genetically appropriate seedlings for specific reforestation and habitat restoration projects is differentiating successful nurseries and reducing commoditization pressures.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

1 specialty industriesavailable on request
▾
Forest Nurseries & Gathering of Forest Products
113210View →

Industries

Browse deeper into the NAICS hierarchy.

113210 reports

Forest Nurseries & Gathering of Forest Products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 1132? ▾
NAICS 1132 classifies forest nurseries and establishments gathering forest products, including operations growing tree seedlings for reforestation and businesses harvesting natural forest botanicals, mushrooms, berries, nuts, and other non-timber forest products. This industry serves both commercial forestry supply chains and ecological restoration markets, operating primarily in forestland-rich regions across the United States.
What types of forest products are gathered in this industry? ▾
The industry harvests diverse non-timber forest products including edible mushrooms, wild berries and nuts, medicinal plants, bark for tannins and other materials, ginseng, moss, and other botanical products. Gatherers typically operate in natural forests under sustainable harvesting protocols and often require permits and compliance with environmental regulations governing harvest timing, quantities, and methods.
How do forest nurseries support the timber industry and environmental restoration? ▾
Forest nurseries produce genetically appropriate seedlings and tree varieties that timber companies use for reforestation after harvesting and that environmental organizations use for ecosystem restoration projects. Nurseries work to match plant genetics and species to specific site conditions, climate zones, and project objectives, improving survival rates and long-term forest health outcomes.
What regulatory requirements govern forest product gathering? ▾
Gatherers must typically obtain permits for harvest on public lands, comply with seasonal restrictions and quantity limits designed to ensure sustainable populations, and follow environmental regulations protecting sensitive habitats and species. Regulations vary significantly by state and product type, with some products like ginseng subject to particularly stringent protections due to overharvesting pressures.
What market factors are driving growth in forest nurseries? ▾
Growth drivers include increased demand for reforestation following timber harvests, expanding government and corporate investment in carbon sequestration and habitat restoration, climate adaptation initiatives requiring species adjustments, and growing markets for native plants in landscaping and ecological restoration projects.

Related Industries

Timber Tract Operations 1131Logging 1133Fishing 1141Beverage Manufacturing 3121

Questions about how we source industry data? See our data sources FAQ.

Don't see your industry?

We can generate a report for any NAICS-classified industry in the US. Professional PDF delivered in 48 hours.

Request Custom ReportBrowse Marketplace