Together with VN
Rabobank pumps 1 billion dollars into sustainable agriculture
Rabobank wants to give sustainable agriculture a major boost. Together with the United Nations (UN), the bank is therefore starting the global 'Kickstart Food' program and is making $1 billion in loans available, writes Business Insider.
Rabobank notes that the world population is growing towards 10 billion people, while the amount of suitable agricultural land is decreasing and agriculture has a major impact on the environment and climate change.
According to CEO Wiebe Draijer, Rabobank can help make the necessary transition to sustainable food production: "Rabobank has always been deeply rooted in society. We put social issues on the agenda and tackle them ourselves. As a global leader in financing food production, we feel the need to accelerate developments in sustainable food production."
The money will mainly help farmers in South America who want to get started with restoring land and protecting crops, board member Jan van Nieuwenhuizen told ANP: "Consider a soy farmer in Brazil who now flattens forests every few years." burns, because his soil is exhausted. It is better if he uses his soil alternately for arable farming and livestock."
More food, less environmental damage
In addition to sustainable and environmentally friendly food production, the Kickstart Food program also focuses on reducing food waste, creating a stable agricultural sector and a balanced and healthy diet for everyone.
According to CEO Wiebe Draijer, this program enables Rabobank to play an important role in achieving the UN's sustainability goals. By 2050, at least 60% more food should be produced with 50% less ecological footprint: "With our knowledge, networks and financial capacity, we can further motivate and facilitate customers in adopting a more sustainable way of producing food on a global scale. scale. We are proud of this major initiative in partnership with UN Environment."
Rabobank already has around €100 billion in loans outstanding worldwide in the agricultural and food sector. According to the bank, it is important that all companies eventually switch to a more sustainable way of working, otherwise their business model is probably not sustainable in the long term.
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