REGINA – Bunge hired a major Sask. Party donor to lobby Premier Scott Moe and his inner circle on the company's controversial merger with Viterra.
According to Saskatchewan’s Lobbyist Registry, Monte Solberg and his team have declared potential meetings, phone calls and written communication with Moe and senior members of the Sask. Party government, on behalf of Bunge.
Bunge's lobbying campaign to promote the “merger transaction with Viterra” was first registered in June 2023.
Solberg regularly donates to the Sask. Party, contributing thousands of dollars since 2020. A copy of his donations is attached to this release.
“This is a bad deal for Saskatchewan, especially our rural communities,” said Aleana Young, Shadow Minister for Jobs and the Economy.
“Producers are going to take a big hit on their incomes now that there’s less competition, with no control over where they sell their crops, or for how much. The loss of 200 head office jobs in Regina will be a gut punch.
“Producers have been crystal clear about the negative impact of this merger, yet the Sask. Party government sold them out to an American company.
“If the Sask. Party government hasn’t been listening to our farmers, I think it’s fair to ask who's been in their ears – donors and lobbyists?”
Last May and April, the Saskatchewan NDP and producers urged the Sask. Party numerous times to clearly oppose the merger. The Sask. Party refused to oppose the merger, even applauding it earlier this week.
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and other organizations representing producers have strongly opposed the merger. The Grain Growers of Canada stated that “this decision is a direct hit to producers revenue”. The University of Saskatchewan calculated that the merger will cost farmers $770 million in lost revenues annually.
The uncertainty and potential harm posed by the Viterra-Bunge merger comes as agricultural producers are already bracing for the potential impact of devastating, 25 per cent tariffs from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
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