Irish farmers want all farmland and buildings excluded from any proposed property tax and a repeal of the carbon tax in the forthcoming budget.
At a briefing session for members of the Oireachtas attended by dozens of rural TDs and senators this afternoon, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) published its pre-budget submission.
It prioritised the funding of farmers who will be exiting the Rural Environment Protection Scheme next year and a payment of €80 per cow in the Suckler Cow Scheme.
It is also seeking final payment of monies owned under the Farm Waste Management Scheme, forestry schemes to be maintained at current level and payments to allow young farmers take over farms and older farmers to transfer to them.
The association also wants no changes to existing taxation relief on a range of farm activities, including stamp duty and farm transfer.
Prior to meeting Taoiseach Brian Cowen later today, IFA president John Bryan said the contribution farming was making to the rural and wider economy must be underpinned by continuing, strong Government support for all the farm schemes that are critical to rural economic activity and primary production.