NORA Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Sector Council

The Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing sector has approximately 2.3 million workers and includes all jobs under NAICS code 11. Agriculture includes crop production, animal production and aquaculture. These workers plant and harvest a wide variety of crops; tend livestock on cattle ranches, pig farms, and dairy farms; and produce eggs and chickens. The forestry industry includes logging operations and businesses that grow trees and gather forest products. Fishing includes a variety of commercial fishing operations.  Together, these industries play a critical role in providing food, fuel, and fiber for the United States and around the globe. However, they are also one of the most hazardous industrial sectors, with the highest fatal occupational injury rate at 22.8 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers, compared to a rate of 3.4 deaths per 100,000 workers for all industries. Traumatic injuries are prevalent in all three industries, although the specific causes vary. Many workers in agriculture, forestry and fishing are also at greater risk for a variety of health and safety issues because social and economic factors can limit their options for safeguarding their own safety and health.

Information is available about the NIOSH Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program, which facilitates the work of the council.