Before the federal government approves Swiss-based Glencore International’s takeover of Viterra, the provincial government wants the feds to ensure that Saskatchewan’s interests are protected.

Friday, Saskatchewan Agriculture released a review, commissioned by the province, on the proposed acquisition of Viterra.

“If the federal government approves this acquisition, we would want to see conditions put in place to hold Glencore to its commitments and to address the concerns raised in this report,” Bob Bjornerud, Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister, said.

The provincial government wants the federal government to ensure that Glencore’s bid to buy Viterra:

• establishes Regina as its North American headquarters;

• has no adverse effect on competition in farm inputs;

• maintains or enhances current levels of employment in field operations;

• invests $100 million over five years in western Canadian grain handling

• increases funding in research and development; and

• continues Viterra’s community-based philanthropic activities and investments.

Meanwhile, one hurdle in the way of Glencore International’s $6.1 billion bid for Viterra has been cleared.

Swiss-based Glencore announced May 4 it has received a “no action letter” from the Canadian Competition Bureau indicating that the commissioner of competition does not intend to oppose the takeover of Viterra, Glencore stated in a news release.

This decision removes one of two regulatory obstacles in the way of one of the biggest deals in Canada’s agricultural industry.

The transaction still needs approval from the federal government because it is a foreign takeover. Viterra shareholders, who will vote May 29 at a special meeting in Calgary, must also approve the sale.

If it proceeds, Glencore will buy Viterra’s grain-handling facilities, processing and farm-supply operations in Western Canada and Australia. The company will sell off parts of Viterra to Agrium Inc. and Richardson International Ltd.

Agrium will get most of Viterra’s retail agri-products business. Richardson will buy 23 per cent of Viterra’s grain-handling facilities including the elevator in Davidson.