TFGA president Roger Swain says irrigation will be the single biggest factor underpinning development of Tasmania's agricultural sector, and the establishment of large dams and water distribution networks are the key to realising that promise.

"It is good to see concrete expression in the budget of the Government's commitment of $80 million to major irrigation infrastructure development," Mr Swain said.

"Farmers understand that this commitment, together with the $140m committed by the Australian Government, rests on finding economically justifiable projects and that this calls for systematic and sound investigation.

"We also understand that this cannot be done overnight. Spreading the investment over some years is a sensible budgeting measure."

However, Mr Swain noted that a number of programs put in place to help farmers through current tough times will be coming to an end at the end of next year.

"The TFGA will be calling on Government to make sure these are re-established if the drought persists," he said.

Mr Swain also noted ongoing solid funding for biosecurity in the budget, and that a focus on this area is increasingly important as climate change and increasing number of free trade agreements increase the risk of imported pests and diseases.

"I also welcome expenditure in the budget on important major road upgrades, in particular in north eastern Tasmania," he said.