Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon is expecting to get an increase in his budget at the Department of Agriculture for 2027.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal at the Tullamore Show on Sunday, he said that he is entering this year’s budget negotiations on the same footing as he did last year.

Tullamore Show 2026 LIVE updates with champions, results and latest updates

ADVERTISEMENT

“Last year I entered into budget negotiations with a clear set of priorities, to protect our livestock sectors, to maintain that higher rate of support for our livestock sector while also supporting the tillage sector, which was going through a difficult time, as well as funding my new TB plan.

“My approach to these budget negotiations is exactly the same. I will clearly articulate what my priorities are for my department and I do expect next year to have an increase in my budget compared to this year,” he said.

Levy

Minister Heydon’s demand comes against the backdrop of Government plans to levy the Department of Agriculture, and other departments, for 2027 to fund a shortfall in money in the Department of Education.

The Department of Agriculture will be levied €26m under that plan.

Farm leaders have told the minister that agriculture must not be raided to fund a shortfall.

IFA president Francie Gorman said: “Why should the Department of Agriculture have to pay a price for the lack of financial discipline within the Department of Education? That should come from general exchequer funds.”

“Farmers can’t be punished because another department didn’t keep control of its own budget. That looks like rewarding the bold child,” said ICMSA president Denis Drennan.