€1,000 payment for cutting silage

FARMERS will get up to €1,000 for cutting silage under a €55million plan to offset rising farm costs being brought to Cabinet today.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue’s plan will pay farmers €100 per hectare of silage cut, up to 10 hectares. If agreed, the payment will be made later this year.

The plan, expected to cost €55million, is aimed at supporting farmers who are under increasing pressure as expenses spiral due to the Ukraine war. Farm input costs have soared as the cost of animal feed, fertiliser and oil.

In recent weeks, Cabinet also approved a €12million scheme to encourage farmers to plant crops, to reduce Ireland’s dependence on imported grain and artificial fertiliser.

A National Fodder and Food Security Committee has been set up by Mr McConalogue, while an Emergency Response Team was established in the Department of Agriculture to manage the crisis.

The Fianna Fáil minister has also indicated he will bring forward support for beef and sheep farmers amid concerns over fodder shortages next winter.