Rabobank

Rabobank recognizes the importance of the Five Freedoms …
We do not accept clients or business partners that … are not willing to enter into a dialogue about improving animal welfare practices.

Comments on score: covered

• Regarding shelter, we do not accept those that:
- for dairy and beef herds, and in case the animals are fully housed indoors, routinely use tie stalls;
- for dairy herds in the Netherlands, in case the animals are primarily housed indoors, do not have the possibility to provide a type of grazing opportunity by 2026. This applies only to new clients;
- for horses, use tie stalls [This does not apply to livestock producers that use horses, for example, to travel across their property].
• Regarding housing of poultry in the Netherlands, we do not accept new clients nor new financing requests of existing clients for expansion or renovation of cages.
• Regarding housing of pigs in the Netherlands, we do not accept new financing requests of existing clients for expansion or renovation of standard farrowing crates for sows. This excludes refinancing requests of existing facilities.

Comments on score: The bank only rules out cages, crates, and other restrictive housing methods for the bank's new clients in the Netherlands.

For upstream clients or business partners in livestock farming:
• Regarding feed and water, we do not accept those that:
- do not provide continuous access to drinking water appropriate for age classes of animals and climatic conditions;
- do not provide all age classes of animals with access to sufficient quantities of feed needed for maintenance, production, reproduction, condition gain, activity, and/or growth.
• Regarding husbandry practices performed on cows (i.e. dairy and beef herds), we do not accept those that engage in routine tail docking [This relates to new clients and new financing requests of existing clients for expansion or renovation of such environments and excludes re-financing requests of existing facilities.];
• Regarding shelter, we do not accept those that:
- for dairy and beef herds, and in case the animals are fully housed indoors, routinely use tie stalls;
- for dairy herds in the Netherlands, in case the animals are primarily housed indoors, do not have the possibility to provide a type of grazing opportunity by 2026. This applies only to new clients;
- for horses, use tie stalls [This does not apply to livestock producers that use horses, for example, to travel across their property].
• Regarding housing of poultry in the Netherlands, we do not accept new clients nor new financing requests of existing clients for expansion or renovation of cages.
• Regarding housing of pigs in the Netherlands, we do not accept new financing requests of existing clients for expansion or renovation of standard farrowing crates for sows. This excludes refinancing requests of existing facilities.

We can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress in the upstream value chain that demonstrate:
• they provide appropriate housing environments or shelter, considering climatic conditions;
• a health care program is in operation, supported by periodic testing of the animals and remedial action being taken when necessary.

Regarding aquaculture, we can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress that demonstrate they work towards becoming certified under a credible scheme, e.g. ASC standards or the Best Aquaculture Practices.
Regarding fisheries (wild catch), we can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress that demonstrate for those country/species combinations where MSC or equivalent is available, work towards becoming certified under a credible scheme; the MSC standard for sustainable fishing or equivalent.

Comments on score: The bank may ask clients to demonstrate that they provide appropriate housing environments or shelter, considering climatic conditions.

Regarding husbandry practices performed on cows (i.e. dairy and beef herds), we do not accept those that engage in routine tail docking [This relates to new clients and new financing requests of existing clients for expansion or renovation of such environments and excludes re-financing requests of existing facilities.];
We can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress in the upstream value chain that demonstrate they apply (topical/ local) anesthesia when performing husbandry procedures.
We do not accept activities related to traditional foie gras production and trade.

Comments on score: The bank excludes new clients and financing requests of clients who engage in routine tail docking, but does not exlude other frequent mutilation practices.

We can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress in the upstream value chain that demonstrate:• the choice of breeds and breeding objectives also considers animal welfare

Comments on score: The bank can choose to demand information from ist clients that they consider animal welfare in their choice of breeds and breeding objectives.

When transporting livestock, we do not accept those that:
• use modes of transport that are not fit for purpose;
• transport animals that are not fit for travel.

Comments on score: The policy does not set a time limit to transport of animals.

Regarding slaughter we do not accept those that:
• Use non-accepted stunning techniques. Acceptable methods of stunning include captive bolt and electrical stunning.
• Suspend or hoist animals whilst they are still conscious. This does not apply to poultry.
Regarding stunning and slaughter equipment we do not accept those that:
• Do not have an operating plan that covers maintenance and cleaning procedures of equipment as well as having suitable back-up equipment that is easily accessible at all time for use in an emergency.
We do not accept clients or business partners that are involved in:
• illegal, unrecorded and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing related activities and processing;
• hunting of marine mammals and shark finning;
• the use of dynamite and poison in fishery practices;
• drift net fishing in marine environments using nets in excess of 2.5 km in length.

Comments on score: The bank has a policy in place that restricts slaughter practices but still allows e.g. killing poultry using waterbath methodes.

We can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress in the upstream value chain.

Comments on score: The bank can request information from its clients but does not oblige them to report.

We can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress in the upstream value chain that demonstrate:
• they phase out the use of antibiotics as growth promoters;
• antibiotics are used under the direction of a veterinary surgeon, following diagnostic testing

Comments on score: The bank can choose to demand information from ist clients that they have a policy for prudent use of antimicrobials in place.

Specifically regarding aquaculture, we encourage our clients and business partners to: seek sustainable alternatives for fish oil and fish meal used as feed; and be transparent about their plans to increase the production of sustainable farmed fish.

Comments on score: The bank encourages a transition, specifically in the aquaculture sector.

For clients or business partners using animals for testing of products to be used on humans, we do not accept those that:
• use endangered species or non-human primates for any testing or experimental purposes; non-human primates being apes (gorillas and chimpanzees) and monkeys;
• do not have a ‘Three Rs policy’ in place.
We do not accept activities related to using animals for testing of products to be used on humans in case:
• after specific evaluation, the purposes of the experiment/research (i.e. its anticipated benefits) are considered not to be justified [Justified purposes would be a) treating diseases or health problems in humans, animals or plants; b) treating physiological conditions in humans, animals or plants; or c) for the protection of the natural environment in the interests of humans or animals.];
• the client cannot demonstrate that the benefits outweigh the harms and that specific attention has been given to maximizing the benefits and minimizing the harms, through a harm-benefit analysis;
• after the experiments have finished, the wellbeing of the animal cannot be guaranteed, the animal is not euthanized by an approved method, as soon and as painless as possible;
• persons who carry out or take part in experiments are not scientifically competent and do not have the appropriate education and training. Any associated animal breeding, supply and user establishments must be approved by the competent authorities.

Comments on score: There are restrictions on non-medical testing, but it is not prohibited

For clients or business partners using animals for testing of products to be used on humans, we do not accept those that:
• use endangered species or non-human primates for any testing or experimental purposes; non-human primates being apes (gorillas and chimpanzees) and monkeys;
• do not have a ‘Three Rs policy’ in place.
We do not accept activities related to using animals for testing of products to be used on humans in case:
• after specific evaluation, the purposes of the experiment/research (i.e. its anticipated benefits) are considered not to be justified [Justified purposes would be a) treating diseases or health problems in humans, animals or plants; b) treating physiological conditions in humans, animals or plants; or c) for the protection of the natural environment in the interests of humans or animals.];
• the client cannot demonstrate that the benefits outweigh the harms and that specific attention has been given to maximizing the benefits and minimizing the harms, through a harm-benefit analysis;
• after the experiments have finished, the wellbeing of the animal cannot be guaranteed, the animal is not euthanized by an approved method, as soon and as painless as possible;
• persons who carry out or take part in experiments are not scientifically competent and do not have the appropriate education and training. Any associated animal breeding, supply and user establishments must be approved by the competent authorities.

Comments on score: The bank requires clients to have a 3R policy in place and to minimize harm.

We do not accept activities related to the cloning of animals for commercial purposes.

Comments on score: Rabobank does not finance the cloning of animals, but there is no reference to genetic modification of animals.

We do not accept activities related to the:
• production, trade and processing of angora wool from rabbits;
• production, trade and processing of fur

Comments on score: The bank does not finance fur and angora wool production, processing and trade.

Rabobank will not provide its services to directly facilitate activities listed below:
trade in or unauthorized catching of wildlife or wildlife products from species listed in Appendix I and II of CITES and/or species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Comments on score: The policy excludes the trade in endangered animals, but does not exclude the trade in non-threatened wild animals.

• Rabobank assesses animal welfare based on scientific knowledge and leading, globally accepted best practices and standards.
• Clients and business partners are required to safeguard on the ‘Five Freedoms’ (freedom from hunger and thirst, from pain, injury and disease, from discomfort, from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior).
• Clients and business partners are also required to continuously improve animal welfare standards and provide animals with opportunities for positive behavior.

Regarding Animal Welfare, we will not do business related to the:
cultural events and other uses of animals including marine animals or fish for entertainment purposes;

Regarding animal welfare, for our own activities we will:
help existing clients and business partners that are active in animals for entertainment and cultural events to transition their businesses to other sectors.

Comments on score: This criterion is not covered explicitely, but in general, the policy requires the 5 freedoms to be respected, that there is continuous improvement in animal welfare standards and more specifically demands that animals are provided with opportunities for positive behaviour.

We do not accept activities related to the:
• animal fighting for entertainment;
• cultural events and other uses of animals including marine animals or fish for entertainment purposes

Comments on score: The bank does not accept the use of animals for entertainment prposes.

We encourage the transition towards more sustainable practices and continuous improvement. Specifically regarding animal welfare, we encourage our clients and business partners to: include animal welfare considerations when applying good practices of regenerative farming and local supply chains, notably in supplying feed.

Regarding seafood processing, we specifically expect clients and other business partners to: establish, to the best of their abilities, better traceability and certification in their supply chain.

Downstream clients need to have a sourcing mechanism and traceability to assess and select suppliers when purchasing from regions that are at risk of deforestation or other adverse biodiversity impacts.

Specifically regarding fisheries (wild catch), we encourage clients and other business to: o deploy good industry practices, using energy efficient vessels, securing sufficient health and safe working conditions, and providing a sufficient remuneration for their employees; and o be transparent about their plans to increase the proportion of sustainably caught fish.

Comments on score: Animal welfare is directly adressed with regard to applying good practices of regenerative farming and local supply chains, but there are no specific criteria mentioned and it is not a requirement.

Clients and business partners are required to safeguard on the ‘Five Freedoms’ (freedom from hunger and thirst, from pain, injury and disease, from discomfort, from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior). o Clients and business partners are also required to continuously improve animal welfare standards and provide animals with opportunities for positive behavior.

Comments on score: All clients and business partners (including suppliers) are required to comply with Robabank’s animal welfare policy.

How we monitor performance
Rabobank reviews the performance and progress of clients during the initial credit assessment and at periodic intervals. We do so by applying a risk based approach, and by collecting supporting information that demonstrates:
• application of our guidance (specified below) for animals under care and influence of humans in the following categories: farmed animals, companion pets, animals used for experimental purposes;
• transparency and accountability on any animal welfare incidents.
remediation and grievance mechanisms

5.1.3 Legality, engagement, non-compliance, Legality
The Rabobank sustainability policies include binding conditions between the bank and its clients based on potential adverse impacts that we consider to be material. Contractual clauses regarding compliance with our sustainability policies may be inserted into the relevant contracts or letters for prospects. Should serious issues that breach our policy and/or international norms and standards not be rectified through engagement, Rabobank may decide to terminate the client relationship.

Comments on score: The bank can monitor ist clients' seafood processing and aquaculture feed use.

Regarding aquaculture, we can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress that demonstrate they track feed currently used as an alternative for fish oil and fish meal used as feed. [For example, by purchasing from suppliers with Global Standard for Responsible Supply (IFFO RS) certification.]
Regarding seafood processing, we can request supporting information on our accepted clients’ and business partners’ controls and progress that demonstrate they have a sourcing policy in place. Notably regarding purchasing practices, traceability and certification in their value chain and the application of food safety standards.

Comments on score: The bank can monitor ist clients' seafood processing and aquaculture feed use.

Sustainable Finance
It is safe to say that sustainable loans are here to stay. Rabobank is a cooperative bank with a leading position in sustainability-oriented banking. Rabobank offers many sustainable finance products, including Sustainability Linked Loans, Blended Finance solutions through work with the AGRI3 Fund, the Rabobank Impact Loan (Netherlands only) and more. We are furthermore proud to be involved in the foundation of the Good Food Finance Network, which will build on and take forward the outcomes of the Finance Lever of the UN Food Systems Summit, through a process of collaborative multisectoral innovation.

Comments on score: The bank finances food system transition but does not specify if these will be more animal friendly

We are taking a step towards the future, to 2040, in this vision. We outline what the agri-food sector in the Netherlands could look like then. … When calculating true value, the costs and benefits to the environment, climate, health and animal welfare are also factored into the price of our food.

Comments on score: The bank finances food system transition but does not specify if these will be more animal friendly