Viterra Ready for New Marketing Environment in Western Canadian Grain Sector

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Dec. 16, 2011) - Viterra (TSX:VT) (ASX:VTA) is ready for the changes to the grain sector in Western Canada, following the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act, Bill C-18, receiving Royal Assent in Ottawa today.

The passage of this legislation allows for immediate forward contracting with Canadian growers for delivery beginning August 1, 2012.

"Starting today, Viterra is pleased to offer bids to western Canadian wheat, durum and barley producers," said Mayo Schmidt, President and CEO of Viterra. "The company is building on its positive relationships with growers by providing new markets for their wheat and barley, as it currently does for oilseeds, pulses, oats and other grains.

"The Government of Canada has fulfilled its commitment to Prairie growers, taking a major step forward for western Canadian agriculture."

With greater marketing choice, there will be new contracting opportunities and additional risk management tools, which is good news for farmers and the broader sector. Viterra anticipates that the industry, farmers, customers and economy will see significant benefits as further transportation and logistical efficiencies are realized in this positive new environment.

Viterra operates 82 grain and 258 agri-product facilities across Western Canada which provide local assistance and marketing consultation to growers within the region. The company will continue to invest in these core western Canadian operations and has largely completed recent elevator railcar sidings and storage expansions in Lloydminster, North Battleford, and Gull Lake, Saskatchewan.

Viterra will also leverage its significant global marketing presence, together with its existing network of destination customers and assets, to facilitate the trading of western Canadian wheat and barley. The company will continue to work with all partners in industry and government to ensure the Canadian grain sector remains a competitive source for agricultural products.

Forward-Looking Information

This publication contains forward-looking information relating to Viterra's outlook (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as "anticipate", "expect" or similar words). All forward-looking statements reflect Viterra's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made, are given as of the date of this publication, and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. Viterra accepts no responsibility to update these forecasts, other than as required by applicable securities laws. For additional information on the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from anticipated results, please refer to Viterra's Management Discussion and Analysis dated January 19, 2011, which can be found under Viterra's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and other reports filed by Viterra with Canadian and Australian securities regulators.

About Viterra

Viterra provides premium quality ingredients to leading global food manufacturers. Headquartered in Canada, the global agri-business has extensive operations across Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, as well as a growing international presence that extends to offices in Japan, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Switzerland, Italy, Ukraine, Germany, Spain and India. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Viterra operates three distinct business segments: Grain Handling and Marketing, Agri-products and Processing. Viterra's expertise, close relationships with producers and superior logistical assets allow the company to consistently meet the needs of the most discerning end-use customers, helping to fulfill the nutritional needs of people around the world.