Rabobank Group

6-5-2009 | Food and Agribusiness news

Organic cotton is now being used to make all Rabobank polo shirts, t-shirts and sweaters. Cotton farmers who use natural fertiliser and natural products for crop protection will also receive a fair price for their organic crops.

Promoting economic participation 
The clothing line is being made sustainable through Rabobank Foundation, a social fund marking its 35th anniversary this year. In developing countries, the foundation is active in micro-financing and developing sustainable agricultural product chains. 

“The farmers are positioned at the beginning of the cotton processing chain. Usually within a co-operative context, we assist the farmers in improving their (financial) organisation,” says Iris van der Velden, Asia Regional Manager. 

Making food and agri chains sustainable
“Based on our sustainability ambitions, we also explore opportunities so the farmers can operate more environmentally-aware. This is achieved through special programmes in the fields of coffee, cocoa, fruit and cotton,” says Van der Velden.

Rabobank is partnering with the development organisation Solidaridad within the Procotton Programme. “This project is aimed at achieving sustainable organic cotton production and at improving cotton farmers’ income. The programme was launched in Africa in 2008 and focuses on 6000 cotton farmers,” says Van der Velden. 

Stimulating the use of sustainable products
For the new promotional clothing line, Rabobank made an easy transition to organic cotton. “The clothes are attractive, produced in a sustainable manner, and only slightly more expensive than before,” says Hanneke Lutters, Purchasing Coordinator. 

“At the beginning of this chain, we helped the organic cotton farmers get a start. Now, we are purchasing the end product for our clothing line, making the circle complete,” says Lutters.