Five large poultry farmers in the province may be allowed to continue keeping chickens if they reduce their nitrogen emissions by 85 percent. A court had ruled that their emissions caused too much damage to vulnerable surrounding nature, and the province had previously considered withdrawing their licences the only remaining option. After a second opinion from the state attorney, the provincial executive now believes the ruling may allow a broader interpretation, although the details of that opinion are not known.

The province is holding talks with the farmers about plans to achieve the required reduction. Environmental organisations had previously indicated that they would have no major objection to such an arrangement, and the province hopes this could lead them to withdraw their legal action. The province says its objective remains to comply with the court ruling and restore nature. It is also appealing a proposed 4 February deadline for a final decision on the licences, saying it needs more time. It remains unclear whether the province will provide financial support for the farms' sustainability measures.