The Irish Farmers' Association says the current nursing home support scheme is challenging the viability of farms.
It's welcoming changes to the Fair Deal scheme, which will reduce financial contributions for farmers and small business owners.
As it stands, they're required to set aside 7.5 percent of the value of their land annually to fund a place in a nursing home.
But new legislation, signed off by Cabinet, will cap contributions at three years.
President of the IFA, Tim Cullinan, says it's a very emotive issue for farm families.