Agriculture · Glossary

Prime Farmland

Updated 2026-07-20

Prime Farmland is an FMMP class describing soils with the best combination of physical and chemical features for sustained production.

What it means

Prime Farmland is an FMMP class describing soils with the best combination of physical and chemical features for sustained production.

Why it matters for land decisions

Confirm how the concept applies to your specific parcel with the city or county planning department and the controlling agency map or ordinance.

  • Treat online GIS as a first-pass screen.
  • Verify before design, escrow, or lending decisions.

People also ask

What is Prime Farmland?

Prime Farmland is an FMMP class describing soils with the best combination of physical and chemical features for sustained production.

Is a GIS overlay enough to decide?

No. Public GIS is a screening tool. Official determinations come from the governing agency, recorded documents, and licensed professionals when required.

Official sources

Related terms

Check this on a California parcel

Parcel View screens zoning, flood, fire, soils, and planning layers for any California lot — every finding linked to the official source.