Increasing the Volume of Agro-Industrial Production to Ensure Food Security and Increase the Export Potential of the Russian Agricultural Sector

Abstract

Currently, the Russian agricultural sector aims to simultaneously achieve two priority goals: to ensure import substitution (or the country’s food security, taking into account rational consumption standards) and to increase exports of agricultural products and food. In this regard, the present study develops proposals for improving agricultural policy and linking these two tasks. The study analysed existing normative legal documents in the field of agricultural policy management and agricultural exports development, relevant foreign experience, as well as Russian and international statistics. It was revealed that an increase in agricultural food production and in the mass of commodities led to export growth. As a result, the negative balance of foreign trade in food decreased, and Russia became a net exporter in 2020-2021. The structure of agri-food exports was examined in order to identify the export potential. Approximately 1/3 of exported goods belong to the group of low-processed products, while only 15 % are highly processed products, which are characterised by a significant negative balance. Competitiveness of products, which plays the most important role in increasing exports, requires the development and implementation of domestic advanced scientific and technological solutions. According to the competitiveness assessment, Russia is a competitive supplier of a wide range of agri-food products, since the prices offered by Russian farmers and exporters are lower or comparable to the prices of major global exporters. Since export growth depends on an increase in agricultural food production, production growth opportunities were considered. The analysis of the consumer purchasing power and food consumption demonstrated their significant differentiation, both by decile groups and by place of residence. The presented findings can be used to improve agricultural policy and adjust state support for the agricultural industry aimed at its effective development.