Budget 2027 will represent a watershed moment for Irish agriculture - an industry that is under a lot of economic pressure.

Adding to all of this is the fact that Ireland currently hosts the presidency of the European Union.

In other words, all the levers of influence that can be used to put the various farming sectors on to a long-term, sustainable footing are in play.

But, fundamentally, tomorrow’s (October 6) Budget must recognise that Ireland’s largest indigenous industry needs fundamental support.

The need for this support is easy to identify.

In the first instance, all of the costs - fertiliser, fuel, machinery, labour - incurred by production agriculture continue to increase at an exponential rate.

And specifically where livestock farming is concerned, there is now every prospect of feed costs tracking upwards at a very significant rate over the coming weeks and months.

All of this is happening at a time when the coffers of the Irish government are bursting at the seams, as tax revenues have never been more buoyant.

Agricultural support

So the money is available to put Irish agriculture on a proper footing for the future. The question is: will government do so?

It is not just a question of putting money directly into farmers’ bank accounts.

Each family farm must also have the opportunity to invest in its future, thereby allowing the sector as a whole to avail of new technologies in a meaningful way.

And, again, the onus is on government to make this happen.

Farmers know full well that they can look to a future that can allow them to increase output while, at the same time, improving the animal health and welfare, environmental, and conservation-related standards that everyone wants to see achieved.

Making this happen will require an investment in building improved stock on farms, which must reflect the highest management standards.

Boosting health and safety standards within production agriculture is another priority, as is the need to encourage greater numbers of younger people into the sector.

All of these issues - and more - can be addressed courtesy of Budget 2027.

CAP

Meanwhile, the progress required to secure a reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains painstakingly slow.

Irish farmer know exactly what they want from CAP, a support policy that more accurately reflects the bespoke needs of production agriculture in this part of the world.

And if this means Ireland securing greater national powers to make this happen, so be it.

The presidency of the European Union represents a unique opportunity for Ireland to push for policies of this nature.

And Budget Day represents the perfect backdrop for the Irish government to make this call.