Bunge Limited’s BG pending merger with Viterra has been approved by the government of Canada. The approval, however, comes with terms and conditions to protect competition, encourage investment and secure economic benefits for Canada.

Transport Minister Anita Anand announced Tuesday that the federal government had approved the acquisition of Viterra Limited by global agri-business Bunge Global SA, subject to extensive terms and conditions designed to safeguard competition and promote economic growth.

Canada on Tuesday approved with conditions U.S. grains merchant Bunge's $34 billion merger with Glencore-backed Viterra, clearing one of the final remaining obstacles for a global agriculture tie-up that is unprecedented in dollar value.

Among the conditions, Canada is calling on Bunge to divest six grain elevators in Western Canada to maintain competitive balance for farmers in the region, as well as to retain Viterra’s head office in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, for at least five years to help “protect Canadian jobs.”

By Ed White WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) -Farmers warn Canada's approval of U.S. grain trader Bunge's $34-billion takeover of Glencore-backed Viterra will reduce their options to sell crops at competitive prices,