Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue will today seek Cabinet approval for a new silage support scheme worth €55million.
The scheme would give farmers payments of up to €1,000 each to assist them with the rising cost of fertiliser.
The package aims to avert a fodder shortage this winter by supporting farmers to cut silage.
It is reported that payments of €100 per hectare , up to a maximum of 10 hectares, will be offered.