A share of the climate and nature fund, permanent residential zoned land tax (RZLT) exemptions, and increased Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) funding have all be listed as part of the Irish Farmers’ Association’s (IFA) pre-Budget submission.
IFA president Francie Gorman led a delegation on Tuesday to meet with Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon about the submission ahead of Budget 2026 in October.
Among the key priorities the association emphasised were the need for farmers to secure a fair share of the €3.1bn climate and nature fund; permanent RZLT exemptions for active farmers; a continuation of key taxation supports expiring end 2025; and increased TAMS funding to avoid use of ranking and selection procedures.
IFA president Francie Gorman said this budget will be against the backdrop of growing uncertainty for farm families, whether that’s the impact of tariffs or the CAP negotiations in Brussels.
“Our message to Minister Heydon was clear: additional costs and regulation put margins under threat,” he said.
“The commentary about improved product prices fails to reference the significant burden that the highest standards impose. He must be a strong voice at the Cabinet table when the budget details are under discussion.”
Commitments
In addition, the IFA said that its officers around the country will engage with TDs and Senators at local level and IFA will hold its pre-budget session with members of the Oireachtas in September.
Gorman added that there must be increased supports to mitigate market uncertainties and inflationary pressures, together with targeted sectoral interventions, especially for vulnerable sectors.
“Our grain sector in particular is in crisis with increased costs of production without an uplift in grain price. Without immediate direct support, tillage farmers will be forced out of business,” he added.
“The Minister must prioritise the survival of the tillage sector at a time when it is in real danger of contracting even further.”
SHARING OPTIONS