Learning new things while helping to change the system

Sophie’s love for the sector runs deep. Her grandfather was a farmer, as were generations before him, and her father worked in floriculture. “As a grower’s daughter, I’ve always been interested in this industry. But more than anything, I wondered: how can I do meaningful work that contributes to the sustainable future of food and agriculture?” She’s found her answer. As a Transition Analyst, Sophie works each day to help farmers adopt more sustainable practices, all to build a food chain that’s ready for the future.

The value of True Value

Rabobank’s AgroFood Vision 2040 paints a healthy outlook for the sector: a future in which farmers produce food harmoniously with nature and the environment. However, reaching that vision will require a shift towards a system where true value becomes the norm.

“Farmers have long been rewarded based on volume: the more you produce, the better. As a result, we’ve become incredibly efficient, but not always without consequences for the environment or animal welfare. Think about the use of pesticides or artificial fertilisers. If we want to move towards a more sustainable system, we need to invest in practices that support that. The True Value model includes the environmental, social, and health-related costs and benefits of food production in pricing. It helps ensure that sustainability is rewarded, so we can truly enable farmers to produce more responsibly.”

Everyone has a role to play

This requires a different way of thinking and doing. And it’s not just up to farmers. “System change only works if the whole chain participates. That includes supermarkets, government, and beyond. For the True Value model to succeed, we need a shared vision, common goals and the tools to measure progress. How do you measure biodiversity, or someone’s contribution to it? How well is a business performing in terms of CO2 reduction? If we all speak the same language and aim for the same metrics, then we’ll get somewhere. We call this the True Value Language.”

That means Sophie’s workdays are rarely the same. “A big part of my role is stakeholder and project management, aligning internal and external partners around the same vision. I give a lot of presentations to explain what the True Value model means and how it can help make the chain more sustainable. At the same time, I’m constantly expanding my knowledge of the Dutch and European policy landscape, including CSRD and True Cost Accounting. My role revolves around getting people excited about this systemic transformation and the True Value model. That includes talks and workshops, like the one I’ll give at the Net Positive Spring Parade, an event where 500 young professionals brainstorm about food and sustainability.”

From Trainee to Transitie

“Initially I didn’t want to commit to a single speciality. While finishing my studies in Brazil, it quickly became clear I wanted to join a traineeship. I had a few must-haves on my list, such as a company with Dutch roots but international reach, and a strong societal mission. I also wanted to be close to where the impact happens. Rabobank felt like the perfect fit from the start.”

As a global trainee at Rabobank, Sophie completed four rotations, switching departments every four months. “During my fourth rotation, I was based in Canada, helping to strengthen the finance team for Canadian farmers. I visited a lot of agricultural businesses, and there was no escaping the pull of the sector.” Back in the Netherlands, she joined the Sustainable Business Solutions team, where her focus is on driving food system transformation.

Small steps, big progress

“True Value won’t happen overnight, but I’m eager to keep the momentum going. Fortunately, it’s a priority within the bank, and the mission is widely supported. Beyond providing advice on sustainable business strategies, Rabobank even offers financial solutions to help make the transition easier.”

Many players in the food chain are already moving in the right direction. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality announced its intention to support the True Value initiative.

“In the meantime, I’m continuing to learn and grow. Rabobank offers a generous training budget for employees, which I make full use of. I’ve completed several courses, including one on corporate sustainability. Currently, I’m taking a systems change training, Changing The Game at Nyenrode University. It’s incredibly helpful in my day-to-day work, and I’m constantly learning.”

So, has Sophie managed to create the impact she set out to achieve?

"I want to turn the tide and contribute to the preservation of nature and the environment in combination with a sector that can stand the test of time in a future-proof way. By doing so, I am helping not only the bank and society but mostly the farmers. I am convinced that if we can implement the changes we are working on in the agriculture and horticulture sector, we will still be able to benefit from a healthy food sector 100 years from now. That would mean I’ve done my job well."