The Government has remained firm on the need for a prudent budget. We hope that the temptation to soften the electorate ahead of the general election does not take priority in the coming days. A “giveaway” budget would tarnish the reputation of a government that has played a large part in helping return the country to financial stability.

However, Enda Kenny and his team have had luck on their side. As an export-focused economy fuelled mainly by imported energy, exchange rates and oil price play an important role in shaping the economic landscape. The recent devaluation of the euro against both sterling and the US dollar combined with the collapse in the price of crude oil has driven economic growth over the last 12 to 18 months. At the same time, the decline in the cost of borrowing has further eased pressure on the public finances.

In such an environment, it is easy to start believing in the hype surrounding headline growth figures, and perhaps more importantly, growth predictions for the future. However, like farmers, the Government needs to learn to cope with the challenges of volatility. As Eoin Lowry highlights here, the reality is that oil price, exchange rates and interest rates can quickly change. With national debt running at 100% of GDP, a 1% increase in the cost of borrowing would wipe 1% off economic growth figures.

So what do we expect from the Government? To invest in parts of the economy that will deliver a return and then use surplus funds to pay down debt.

Irish agriculture, and by association rural Ireland, has a strong case to make for targeted investment in next week’s budget. It has a proven track record of delivery and, as identified by Government, has the capacity to grow exports by 85% to €19bn, creating an additional 23,000 jobs.

This growth should only come if it delivers the primary producer a sustainable profit margin. Government has a role to play here in delivering a tax regime that accommodates the income volatility challenges so evident this year.

The Government’s commitment to the growth plan will be measured primarily through the level of support and commitment to the Rural Development Programme (RDP). In 2013, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney committed to delivering a RDP programme of €580m per annum through 46% co-financing of EU funds. Nearly three years on and farmers still await the full benefit.

The critical agri-environment schemes remain a ghost of the past in relation to the flow of money on to farms. At its peak, REPS was delivering €336m per annum to farmers. This year, farmers will receive just €155m through agri-environment schemes. While delays in securing approval for schemes at EU level have been a factor, Government will have no excuses for not significantly increasing support for key schemes in 2016. Farmers will be expecting a commitment to increase funding for agri-environment schemes up to €250m.

Here we detail the various budget demands from the IFA and other farm organisations. The IFA submission identifies the challenge of preventing inter-family transfer of land. Creating a phased transfer model needs serious consideration. Addressing the anomalies identified in the income tax system is an obvious step for a pro-jobs government.

Interestingly, farmers in Northern Ireland can avail of a tax exemption on 4x4s used on public roads. The vehicles are not only exempt from the NCT but are also allowed to be run on agricultural diesel. While conditions apply, a similar exemption would help alleviate some of the costs associated with land fragmentation.