In the lead-up to Rabobank’s certificate holders’ meeting on Thursday, May 22, World Animal Protection published a revealing report on the political lobbying Rabobank is involved in.

Rabobank presents itself as a mission-driven bank: Growing a better world together. Publicly, the bank emphasizes its commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, halting deforestation, promoting healthy food and protein diversification, and respecting animal welfare.

Behind the scenes, however, the picture is very different. The bank is a member of lobbying organizations—particularly in the U.S.—that exert significant political influence to block climate action, discourage institutions and consumers from making sustainable choices, discredit science, and file lawsuits to oppose basic animal welfare legislation.

Rabobank’s annual report remains completely silent on this issue. In doing so, it disregards principles for responsible political engagement. Dirk-Jan Verdonk, Country Director of World Animal Protection Netherlands, says:

"It is shocking to discover that Rabobank is deeply entangled in a highly influential lobby that opposes urgent climate measures, sustainable and healthy food, labor rights, and animal welfare. We call on the bank to act in accordance with principles for responsible political advocacy and to be transparent about its actions."

The obstruction of climate change mitigation efforts by lobby groups in which Rabobank is involved has had a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that, had this obstruction not occurred, between 4 and 13 Gt CO₂-equivalent emissions could have been avoided from U.S. beef production alone between 1992 and 2023.

This report was originally published on WAP's website here.