NFF acting president Charles Burke says the NFF's pre-budget submission to the government was "crystal clear" in arguing that "agricultural R&D investment is at critically low levels at present with state and federal governments slashing their contribution over many years".

"NFF specifically called on government to increase funding, so it will astound the farm sector that R&D funding is being carved out," Mr Burke said.

"The Government can expect a deep and negative response.

"If the Government believes so fundamentally in the challenge climate change will present agriculture, as they keep saying, how can it justify cutting research into areas such as climate change, resource management and water - it is counter-intuitive."

Mr Burke singled out Agriculture Minister Tony Burke for the hypocrisy of the government decision, as the Minister has previously spoken out about the need for on-farm productivity improvements and the challenge of food security and climate change.

"How can the so-called razor gang expect farmers to meet this challenge if they slash already wafer thin investment?" he said.

"The Government has an obligation to support the development of tools, techniques and technologies to assist farmers manage challenges such as the vagaries of the climate and the scarcity of agricultural land and water.

"Quite simply research and development underpins the development of these tools.

"If R&D programs are cut without them being replaced elsewhere farmers would be right to feel the Government is leaving the field when the going gets tough."