Rabobank expands market presence
Oct 14, 2005 12:00 PM
Rabobank says that the U.S. farming industry is well-positioned to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market as a result of ongoing consolidation and integration, and its early adoption of new technologies.
In a research report analyzing trends and issues in U.S. farming, Rabobank's Food and Agriculture Research group says that U.S. farmers must, however, continue to grow, innovate, and use domestic advantages in order to overcome challenges such as high land costs, increasing environmental regulations, changes in governmental support, and global competition.
Rabobank is in turn repositioning its U.S. farm lending business to better serve the evolving financial needs of American producers. Rabo AgriFinance is strengthening its lending platform, expanding its product offerings, and increasing its local presence in markets across the country by:
- Providing customers with a full range of agricultural lending products — real estate-based term lending, operating and input financing, and crop and livestock insurance — through a single point of contact, a locally-based relationship manager.
- Opening 15 new U.S. offices and increasing field staff by 50 percent over the next three months, to be closer to customers and their operations.
- Investing in systems and technology to increase efficiency, service and account management.
Rabobank is committed to the success of American agriculture over the long-term,” said Cor Broekhuyse, head of Rabobank International in the Americas, “so we are repositioning our farm lending business to ensure that U.S. farmers have ready access to the deep resources, great financing options, and agricultural expertise they need to compete effectively in a global market.
“By expanding our sales teams, opening new locations, and strengthening our systems, we will be more responsive and efficient in serving the financial needs of our U.S. customers.”
