Ben Valk is Global Head Food and Agri Partnerships for Rabobank. Rabobank’s international mission is to be the globally leading Food and Agri bank. Based on his previous roles in domestic and international banking and development of the agricultural sector, Ben maintains high level networks from which partnerships, aiming at Food System Transformation, are derived. As an example, Rabobank launched the AGRI3 Fund, a US$ 1 billion initiative for forest conservation and sustainable agriculture. Ben managed the AGRI3 investor relations and realized the first 60% of investment in the Fund. Other recent initiatives concern the Food Action Alliance, participation in the road to the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 and COVID19 response. Before assuming this position, Ben was CFRO of the Farm to Market Alliance (2015 – 2018) and headed Rabobank’s Multilateral Development Banking team. From 2006 to 2011 he was Regional Manager for Rabo Development in Asia and South America and served earlier in various senior management functions in the domestic banking network of Rabobank.

Ben brings to FSF:
• Over 15 years of experience in food and agribusiness development in emerging markets
• An extensive international network in food and agribusiness and finance
• An entrepreneurial and pioneering spirit and passion for sustainable food systems