Rabobank Group

The increased demand for food and animal feed, as well as the growing use of crops for biofuels require more efficient deployment of scarce agricultural resources and have shifted the value proposition upstream. 

In a recent report “Boom beyond Commodities” written by Rabobank’s expert Food & Agri Research & Advisory team, it was identified that as a result of these dynamics, new opportunities are being created, leading to growth potential that extends beyond the boom in the commodities market. The dynamics facing agriculture compels us to produce more with less. With such dynamics at play, Rabobank’s Food & Agri Research & Advisory team has identified five key sectors, which will be significant drivers in the next agricultural evolution, namely:

• Animal protein & dairy
• Energy crops & commodities
• Food Processing
• Agri-inputs
• Agri-equipment

Based on Rabobank's F&A research combined with Rabobank's financial markets expertise, Rabobank launched in July 2008, Rabo Fastrack Indices. Rabo Fastracks Indices are research-based, equity-linked benchmarks which leverage on our in-depth knowledge of food & agribusiness from ‘farm to fork’. The Rabo Fastracks Indices are focused on the upstream and midstream parts of the food value chain where the latest innovations and management practices are expected to deliver real, long-term growth potential. Two indices have been introduced to date: RFAFG Index covers stocks in the Food & Agribusiness that are listed on developed world Exchanges outside of Asia, while RAFAFA Index  covers those that are listed on Asia-Pacific exchanges. Rabobank International is the first one to introduce an Index on Food & Agribusiness with an Asian focus.

• Rabo Fastracks Global ex Asia 20 Index ("RAFAFG Index")
• Rabo Fastracks Asia-Pacific 20 Index ("RAFAFA Index")

Key benefits of Rabo Fastracks Indices

Rabo Fastracks Indices's key benefits are:

• Equity-linked, not commodity-linked
• Dynamic food and agribusiness research inputs
• The only food & agribusiness index of its type
• Upstream and midstream focused

Rabobank's Food & Agribusiness expertise

Food and Agriculture is at the core of Rabobank International and is in our history. Founded as a Dutch co-operative, Rabobank International strives to be the world's leading Food and Agri Bank. From ‘farm to fork’, we are involved in every stage - covering production, market strategy, environment, trade flows and chain control.

Through its Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR), Rabobank is a global knowledge provider in the area of Food & Agribusiness. Rabobank has a dedicated team of Food & Agribusiness Specialists worldwide – who have in-depth knowledge on the latest innovations and management practices in the food & agribusiness, sectors, commodity, trade flows, international and domestic market trends, and future industry developments.

Our Food & Agribusiness Specialists offer expertise that spans a broad spectrum which includes export market characteristics, international trade issues, worldwide production and consumer trends, and the latest innovations across the value chain. The team also provides value added consultancy services to corporate clients, the public sector and cooperative institutions through M&A and strategic advisory (growth, entry, repositioning strategies; feasibility and co-operative studies). 

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