The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) will receive a total of €2.344 billion under Budget 2027.

This includes current expenditure of €2.019 billion, and a capital programme totalling €325 million

The overall total is up by €42 million when compared to last year's budget allocation for the department of €2.302 billion.

Budget 2027 provides for an overall expenditure of €125.6 billion across all government departments.

This means that DAFM's allocation accounts for just 1.87% of the overall total.

Compared to the 2026 allocation, an additional €39 million in current expenditure is being allocated to DAFM for 2027.

During his budget speech in the Dáil earlier today, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers described the agriculture sector as "a key component of our modern economy".

He said the DAFM budget allocation will help to provide an additional €21.6 million to improve water quality on farms and support farmers through European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs).

Some €31.6 million will be used for EIPs in 2027, in particular theFarming for Water EIP as a result of increased engagement from farmers.

The scheme provides tailored advice to farmers on measures to improve water quality on their farms and then supports them to make the necessary investments.

Minister Chambers said €22 million will be earmarked for the National Sheep Welfare Scheme.

Some €8.4 million will be directed towards "animal health and welfare policies", including horse and greyhound welfare measures and the Animal Welfare Strategy.

The minister said there would be a €4 million increase for the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) for tillage farmers.

While €31 million is earmarked for a new fertiliser scheme to support farmers facing higher fertiliser costs.

This funding will be used to top up Ireland's allocation of €15.3 million under the EU's €540 million fertiliser support package.

DAFM

The Budget 2027 Expenditure Report shows that €142.4 million will be spent on department bovine tuberculosis (TB) programme next year. This is down from over €157 million in 2026.

The funding will be used to continue the additional bovine TB testing requirements and movement controls.

Around 10.7 million bovine TB tests will be carried out on cattle in 2027.

The funding will also be used to increase existing compensation ceilings for farmers by €500 for all reactors valued in 2026.

€98.9 million will be spent on animal health and welfare measures, including financial supports for animal welfare charities; control of dogs and dog breeding establishments; and supports for the control of horses.

The document shows lists €44 million in tillage supports which includes the Tillage Support Scheme.

€280 million is allocated for payments to 53,800 farmers in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).

While as reported earlier by Agriland, the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) budget for 2027 will increase to €93.4 million.

The document shows €93 million will be used for the Forestry Programme, Reconstitution Scheme, and Ash Dieback Scheme.

There will be €131 million for various livestock schemes in 2027, along with the National Genotyping Programme.

€20 million in funding will be used for research and development, including the National Biosecurity Strategy to be launched later this year.

Funding will also be used to support farmers participating in the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS).

According to budget documents, a pay bill ceiling of €441 million has been allocated for DAFM for 2027, covering some 6,045 staff.