Pennsylvania Code
Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Part I - Department of Environmental Protection
Subpart A - Preliminary Provisions
Article I - Administrative Provisions
Chapter 9 - ENVIRONMENTAL MASTER PLAN
Subchapter B - POLICIES FOR CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FOR PRIME FARMLANDS
Section 9.111 - Prime farmlands

(a) Prime farmlands are a contributing factor to the quality of the environment of the Commonwealth. Because of their location, distribution and environmental significance, prime farmlands are of statewide importance. The primary environmental policy concern is the protection of values associated with these farmlands.

(b) It shall be the environmental policy of the Commonwealth to protect and preserve the productive capability, resource potential, ecologic significance and aesthetic and open space values of the prime farmlands of the Commonwealth.

(c) The productive farmlands of the Commonwealth are being converted to nonagricultural land uses daily. Increasing urban land use pressures and decreasing agricultural profitability are major factors contributing to the conversion of agricultural lands especially near urban centers. A broad based agricultural development program is necessary to prevent the future loss of the farmlands of the Commonwealth. An important part of this program will be environmental policies directed to the protection of the valuable prime agricultural soil resources of the Commonwealth. The concern for these resources will be translated through policies which will strengthen the agricultural economy and encourage farming in areas having prime farmlands. The following policies provide the basis for the protection of these prime farmlands.