Independent Glencore Report Submitted

The Saskatchewan government has submitted its report to Industry Canada on the proposed sale of Viterra to Glencore.

On Friday, the province released the Informa Economics independent review which looked at the pros and cons of the sale. The report says farmers likely stand to benefit from the deal, but it does outline potential issues with the secondary sale of some of Viterra's assets to Agrium.

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud says there are a number of areas where the province and its farmers could benefit from the sale.

"Glencore's ability around the world, where they already have infrastructure and offices, would really help marketing of the products here," he says. "Some of the other things Glencore has talked about doing are positive. They've talked about putting dollars into research, as Viterra did, but increasing those dollars. And also having their headquarters here in Regina."

He says the province is asking Industry Canada to make sure Glencore stands behind its original assurances.

"Maintaining the employees we have in the province out in the elevator system. Glencore has said they will spend $100 million on infrastructure across western Canada and research, so that's positive, but I think we need them to make that commitment through this process," he says.

Industry Canada is expected to rule on the initial sale of Viterra to Glencore before the end of the week.