The Province of North Brabant now allows, in exceptional cases, the reconstruction of barns for livestock farmers who need to adjust their outdated housing systems to comply with the measure to reduce ammonia emissions from livestock farms. Because reconstruction conflicts with the Environmental Regulation, the province must decide in each case to apply a hardship clause.

This addition is prompted by a motion from the Provincial States. Based on various cases submitted by the Support Network, municipalities, advisors, and administrators, conditions have been established allowing livestock farmers to deviate from the principle that an appropriate measure can only be applied within the existing, actually realized situation.

The conditions are as follows:

  • No change in the animal category or increase in the number of animals allowed within the actually realized capacity according to the nature permit.
  • Larger area of an animal shelter is only possible if required by legal requirements.
  • The old barn must be demolished.
  • Justification that the development contributes to nature objectives.
  • No other changes in business operations.
  • Reconstruction and taking emission-reducing measures comply with Annex VI of the Environmental Regulation.

Approach to reducing ammonia emissions from livestock farms

From July 1, 2026, livestock farmers must have taken measures to reduce ammonia emissions from outdated housing systems. Reduction standards apply per animal category. To meet the standards, farmers can choose one or more measures from the menu in the Environmental Regulation. For implementing measures, a nature permit is not required, but a notification suffices.