Rabobank,

Artificial fertiliser is like cocaine for the soil; it gives a brief boost, but the soil becomes addicted. ² Fertiliser plays a major role in the nitrogen crisis. Moreover, its production globally generates more CO2 than aviation! ³ Meanwhile, pesticides are destroying the soil life and biodiversity that is so essential for a fertile soil to feed ourselves and our ecosystems. ⁴

Many farmers worldwide already show that we can feed the world without artificial fertilisers and poison. ⁵ Rabobank states they want to make agriculture more sustainable, but this year they increased their investment in artificial fertilisers and pesticides again by half a billion euros. ⁶ We demand that Rabobank divests from this chemical industry!

Rabobank claims they want to be greener and be more critical of its investments in livestock farming in the Netherlands. But the facts are crystal clear: during the climate agreement negotiations, the bank lobbied against livestock reductions ⁷, and worldwide Rabobank remains one of the largest investors in the bio industry. ⁸

Rainforests are being felled on a massive scale to make way for cattle farming and cattle feed production, a process that forcefully removes indigenious peoples from their land. Intensive livestock farming also results in huge emissions of nitrogen, methane and CO2. ⁹ Not to mention the mistreatment of animals or the risk of diseases spreading from animals to humans, possibly resulting in a new pandemic. ^{10 11}

A reduction of the livestock population is necessary to solve these problems. Meanwhile the Rabobank continues to finance its expansion. This must stop!

Only 3% of Rabobank's agricultural investments go to organic farming ¹²; many farmers experimenting with more sustainable methods say the bank refuses to finance their plans. ^{13 14}

It is time for Rabobank to take its responsibility and help farmers transition to an agricultural system free from artificial fertilisers and pesticides. With more farmers, less cattle and less fossil fuels, in cooperation with nature.

This is the only way to build a healthy agricultural system. A system where the fruits go to farmers and communities instead of filling the pockets of banks and shareholders of agro-multinationals.