This study aimed to characterize the forest nurseries in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, signaling their potential demands and their importance to the communities in which they operate. The primary data used were obtained through interviews with owners and employees of nurseries. The main results show that 260 people directly depend directly on the nurseries. As for revenues, it was found that they were involved almost 1 million reais in sales of approximately 2.5 million seedlings. Another factor that was highlighted was the education level of employees, 74% had some schooling, and 54% did not finish. Finally, this study demonstrated the need these enterprises and the important social, economic and environmental same for the local community.