The Fodder Support Scheme, which will pay farmers up to €1,000 for making silage or hay this summer, will open for applications next week.

The €56m scheme will see farmers receive €100/ha for making up to 10ha of fodder before 5 September.

Applications for the scheme will close on 2 August.

Payments under the scheme will commence in November.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed there will be “on-the-spot inspections” for farmers applying to the scheme and that any oversubscription will result in payment rate reductions.