Towards a future-proof food system
The availability of sufficient, healthy and affordable food to feed the world's population is one of the most complex challenges the world is facing. By 2050 there will be 10 billion mouths to feed, asking for an overall food production increase. At the same time, our current food system strongly impacts the planet, contributing to climate change and nature loss. That’s why we support our customers to transition towards a more sustainable business model.
Be the Food & Agri bank of choice globally
For over 125 years Rabobank has been financing customers in the Food & Agri sector. Helping our customers and finding solutions to today’s challenges is our top priority, whether we serve a rural investment company in New Zealand, a wholesale company in Canada or smallholder farmers in Zambia. Our ambition is to expand our position as the preferred bank in the global F&A sector, and growing in line with our sustainability agenda.
Our commitment
In order to feed the world sustainably, the current way we produce and consume food needs to change. Our customers are challenged to change their agricultural practices, improve their finance structure, invest in new technology and innovations to reduce emissions and become more climate-resilience, while boosting their sustainable food productivity.
Balanced, sustainable growth
Rabobank is committed to support its customers to futureproof their businesses and contribute to a more sustainable food system. A system that meets the increasing food demand, uses available resources more efficiently, improves living standards for producers and reduces its impact on nature and climate. A system that can make sustainably produced food affordable, available and accessible.
As a cooperative, client-driven, all-finance bank, with customers and partners at every step in the food value chain, Rabobank is well-positioned to play a meaningful role.
Pathways to change
Our approach includes several pathways.
Accelerate productive & regenerative agriculture
Our customers are challenged to adopt agricultural practices that improve land and water use while increasing food productivity.
Diversify protein supply and consumption
The production of diverse protein sources is expected to scale. It can enhance food security and contributes to sustainability.
Reduce food loss & waste
About one-third of food is lost or wasted. We support customers to reduce their food loss and waste to avoid unnecessary production.
Strengthening rural livelihoods
We aim to improve livelihoods by helping communities adapt, protect natural resources, and invest in a better future.
Value nature
Our nature vision provides an overview of where we are with our nature approach and where we’re heading.
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How Rabobank aspires to influence the food system transition
We use our financial solutions, sector knowledge and networks to help customers transition to a sustainable future and help move ‘the system’ in a more sustainable and just direction. This is about increasing positive impact and reducing negative impact.
We use our limited power of influence at three levels;
Find out more in our Impact Report and Road to Paris Report:
Our solutions
We stimulate and support our customers to future-proof their businesses by leveraging financial solutions, knowledge and our global network.