Rabobank Group

20-4-2009 | CSR news

As the new CSR director, Ruud Nijs wants to establish the mindset that being socially responsible is how and why Rabobank does business. In his first column, he explains how CSR is linked in the food & agribusiness.

We are involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) business along a chain from underdeveloped communities, to small farmers, to co-operatives, to bankable businesses all the way to multi-national companies. I like to call this the Rabobank food & agri chain.

Starting with those in need
Outside the organisation, the chain starts with countries that have an imbalance of poverty in rural villages and whose children need education, shelter and food. We go local, set up infrastructures, and partner with existing NGO institutions to secure micro-financing to the local people. With an education and support, the next generation of farmers can provide for their families.

Creating stability for rural communities
To create more stability and an income for the village, we also provide micro-credits to farmers and other agricultural entrepreneurs who are mostly female. Then, we assist gathering farmers together for a co-operative structure to help stabilise both the price and the quantity for their goods.

Following the growth of the small farmer
The farmers and co-operatives can grow quickly, but not enough to finance their own growth. These small enterprises need to finance their trade flows, but are still not considered bankable or creditworthy. Several Rabobank departments like Rabo Agri Fund assist with trade finance instruments and loan guarantees with local banks.

Banking in developing countries
On the banking level, we are participating in changes to the economic environment in developing countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia and Rwanda. Locally, Rabo Development provides technological assistance, consultants and people resources to grow and maintain a level of professional banking services to support agriculture in these areas.

Managing the whole chain
We can only be called a real food & agri bank by managing the whole chain including the links with the largest international food companies. The Rabobank food & agri chain shows the way we are doing business underlines how and why Rabobank works. CSR is at the core of the business.

Ruud Nijs
Head of Corporate Social Responsibility