Aviko and Rabobank collaborate on sustainable potato farming

Aviko and Rabobank have joined forces to make Dutch potato farming more resilient for the future. On October 17, the two parties signed a four-year agreement to support farmers in sustainable practices. This initiative, part of the ‘Toekomstbestendige teelt’ (Future-proof Cultivation) program, provides farmers with financial benefits and knowledge in areas such as soil health, biodiversity, water quality, climate, and sustainable revenue models. Through the Cosun Groeikracht program, farmers can receive premiums on top of contract prices, interest rate reductions on sustainable investments, and targeted knowledge-sharing.

Advancing sustainability together

According to Anouk Wentink, Sustainability Manager at Aviko, collaboration is key to making the supply chain more sustainable. “Together, we move faster and go further,” Wentink said. The program enables farmers to apply their expertise in producing responsibly grown potatoes. With 70 farmers already registered across different regions in the Netherlands, the first step towards sustainable potato farming has been taken. This partnership with Rabobank enhances Aviko’s sustainability ambitions, working toward a resilient supply chain.

Attractive financing and action plans

Rabobank sees this partnership as a model for a sustainable revenue approach in agriculture. Alex Datema, Director of Food & Agri Netherlands, emphasized that a balanced relationship with the environment is essential for the agricultural sector and that systemic change is necessary. Farmers participating in the program work with external advisors to develop action plans with measurable objectives. These objectives are regularly evaluated to monitor progress and encourage advancement to higher performance levels. The program adheres to international standards set by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative.

aviko.com