Rabobank in business

Corporate Social Responsibility entails dilemmas. Do we issue loans to certain types of businesses or not? The  Rabobank Ethics Committee makes recommendations about the ethical dilemmas that we face in providing services. The Committee bases its recommendations on the Rabobank Code of Conduct, as well as on  external ethical standards to which it subscribes. 

No Foie gras
In 2004, on the advise of the committee, the Executive Board of the Rabobank Group decided not to do business with cmpanies that produce foie gras in an 'unethical' manner.  In addition, the Executive Board takes the view that serving foie gras within Rabobank dies not set a good example.

No ethical objections to fur breeding farms
Mink breeding in the Netherlands was the subject of a wide-ranging political and social debate a few years ago.  In 2003, the council of ministers decided to accept mink breeding in our country:  it has no ethical objections to keeping fur breeding animals.  The Rabobank Ethics Committee shares that opinion.  Rabobank's policy on fur breeding farms, for minks for instance, is accordingly part of our overall policy on intensive livestock breeding.  This expressly both gives and demands attention for animal rights.  Further improvement in the sector continues to be a priority.  The 'decree on well-being for minks (PPE) 2003' is intented to ensure this.  By gradually tightening requirements over the next few years, animal welfare will further increase in the future.  We are continually following the debate on mink breeding and the arugments raised.  Should fur breeding be banned in the near future, Rabobank will (together with the governement) support the sector in the transition process and in seeking other methods of production.

 The Committee’s views on ten other dilemmas are outlined in the download section.