THE Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will have more than $82 million slashed from its budget in the coming year despite the establishment of new programs to help farmers cope and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The Government has channelled its financial focus towards major long-term investments in infrastructure, health, education and climate change but has embarked on one of the biggest cost-saving missions ever seen to offset any new policy commitments.

While delivering a cash surplus of $21.7 billion, this year's budget has made savings of more than $7.3b, which is forecast to grow to $33.3b in the next four years.