As Western Canada's grain market consolidates, farmers brace for impact

Farmers and agricultural groups opposed the merger on the basis that it would reduce competition and raise costs for producers.

Farmers in Western Canada are bracing for what they fear will be negative hits to their bottom lines, as two giants in the grain industry carry out their blockbuster merger.

The combination of global agribusiness companies U.S.-based Bunge Global SA with Netherlands-based Viterra Ltd. is a done deal. The two companies are now in the process of bringing their respective teams and operations together.

Farmers and agricultural groups opposed the merger on the basis that it would reduce competition and raise costs for producers. The Competition Bureau of Canada warned of “anti-competitive effects” that could harm farmers.

As the grain purchasing market continues