Development issues of the logistics infrastructure for the Russian agri-food system, its influence for food and national security, determine the relevance of scientific support in this area. A working hypothesis of an optimal approach to scientific research of the logistics infrastructure for the Russian agro-food system is presented. It is proved that in the context of modern challenges and Russia's lag in the field of general infrastructural development, it is necessary to actualize a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the study of the topic, including not only a purely economic analysis, but also elements of technical, technological, environmental, marketing and information and communication approaches.Оn the one hand the logistics infrastructure being regard as a system covering a certain set of elements (subsystems) – transport, storage and packaging, on the other hand, as a set of processes securing the product distribution in the agri-food market. Today institutional issue is the most important in the field of state support for agri-food logistics infrastructure. To solve it, it is proposed, in particular, to expand the competence of the Department of Agricultural Market Regulation of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia. Much attention is paid to substantiating the need to study a number of break through areas of innovative development of the logistics infrastructure for the Russian agri-food system, including transport corridors, digitalization and robotization of logistics centers, provision of logistics infrastructure with alternative energy sources, development of logistics infrastructure of environmentally benign segments of the agri-food system.
The article is devoted to the study of the features of the functioning of the Russian grain storage industry at the current stage of economic development. The object of the study was the capacity for storing grain of various types: grain warehouses, elevators, grain receiving and grain processing enterprises, grain trading companies and port terminals for grain transshipment. It is noted that more than 70% of grain storage facilities are concentrated in the Southern, Central and Volga Federal Districts, while their shortage is felt in the Siberian and Far Eastern Districts. Recently, there has been an annual commissioning of new facilities and modernization of existing ones. However, in general, there is a deficit of grain storage capacity in the country, which is estimated at 20-70 million tons. The bulk of storage is carried out on the basis of various types of grain warehouses. The share of elevators providing a range of services for the acceptance, processing, storage and transportation of grain does not exceed 30-35%. The problem is complicated by the significant degree of wear and tear of existing grain storage facilities, the high cost of implementing investment projects to put the relevant storage facilities into operation, and the rising cost of elevator and related equipment. Against the background of a shortage of working capital among farmers, the increased cost of attracting credit resources and high tariffs for elevator services, this situation significantly hinders the pace of development and restructuring of the storage industry. The study analyzes the features of the main methods (dry, cooled, without oxygen access) and methods (in ground-based covered warehouses, silos, polymer sleeves) of storing grain. A comparative assessment of the efficiency and cost level of storing grain in various types of grain storage facilities (conventional warehouses, warehouses with an active ventilation system and controlled atmosphere) is provided. The main problems and factors hindering the efficient storage of grain are identified. Based on the results of the work, a set of measures is proposed for the prospective development of the market segment for storing grain products in Russia.
The article examines the state of the domestic packaging industry for agri-food products, which includes the production, design and distribution of packaging materials and solutions specifically designed to protect and present food products throughout the supply chain. Production offers a wide range of packaging formats, each of which is designed to meet the unique requirements of different types of food products and packaging needs. The article presents the main functions of packaging that it performs during its turnover, highlights the main materials used for its production, defines the segments of the agri-food packaging market, and identifies factors that positively affect the dynamics of various segments of the packaging market.
The article discusses the prospects of using neural networks in the selection of crops for the food industry. The important role of the agro-industrial complex (AIC) in the Russian economy, especially in ensuring food security, is emphasized. It is noted that breeding is a key branch of the agro-industrial complex, aimed at creating and improving crop varieties with specified traits, such as increasing yields, improving product quality and creating resistant varieties. The article emphasizes that the process of developing a new variety can take considerable time and requires funding for experimental sites and researchers. Therefore, the possibility of using mathematical methods and neural networks to speed up the breeding process is discussed. The historical experience of using mathematical models in breeding and their disadvantage as a tool are considered. Difficulties of use. Neural networks, unlike mathematical models, do not require explicit definition of mathematical equations and are able to approximate complex functions. The paper summarizes the capabilities of neural networks, and in which of the areas of selection they can be useful. The difficulties of implementation of neural networks approaches for wide application are emphasized. Such as, creation of modern infrastructure for data collection and processing, as well as training of specialists with experience in machine learning, genetics and agriculture. Difficulties in implementing neural network tools are described, due to mistrust or lack of understanding of new tools and techniques among agrarians. It is noted that, despite the prevalence of neural networks in commercial activities, their application in the field of agrocomplex and food industry is still rare.
The article is devoted to the problem of ensuring technological sovereignty in the agro-industrial complex (AIC) of Russia. The relevance of this problem is due to the global challenges to ensuring food security, the intensive development of agricultural technologies and attempts to impose sanctions pressure and restrictions on the agro-industrial complex of Russia. This article attempts to formalize the main aspects of the formation of technological sovereignty in the agro-industrial complex, to assess the current state and trends of its development. The approach used in the article involves the study of the main aspects of ensuring technological sovereignty in the agro-industrial complex, determining its essence and place among the concepts of technological development, assessing its state and development prospects. The article proposes to use a three-stage model, where technological sovereignty is used as a stage of transition from import substitution to technological leadership. The place of technological sovereignty on the proposed matrix in the coordinates of independence/cooperation and security/leadership is determined. Based on the analysis of strategic documents of Russia and analytical materials, vulnerable areas of technological dependence of the agro-industrial complex are identified: a low share of domestic seeds (62%), veterinary drugs (50%), vaccines (49%), pedigree cattle (65%), meat chicken crosses (15%), tractors and combines (about 10 percent). The trajectory of technological development has been formed in the form of a technological radar with the designation of promising areas (biotechnology, genetics, digitalization) on the horizon of 5–30 years. The results of the study showed the need to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that combines accelerated import substitution in critical areas, the development of our own technological competencies and integration into global chains with "friendly" countries. Further research on these problems can be linked to an in-depth analysis of the technological dependence of the Russian agro-industrial complex, a detailed analysis of technological chains and obtaining an actual aggregated assessment of the state of technological sovereignty of the Russian agro-industrial complex.
The article provides an assessment of the state of the regulatory framework in the field of municipal control, including land control, in the municipalities of some Russian regions. A special place in the materials of the article is given to the role of municipal land control as the most important tool for improving the efficiency of agricultural land use, since municipalities are entrusted with the key task of monitoring and rational use of agricultural land resources. This research area obviously correlates with the institutional interests of participants in agricultural land use and allows for a deeper study of the features and directions of their further development.
Small forms of management create more than half of agricultural products in agriculture, in addition, they ensure the implementation of social functions, in particular, they contribute to the settlement of rural areas, preserve traditions, and foster a love of work and land. It is small business entities that face problems selling their products, have difficulties acquiring material and technical resources, which ultimately leads to low-income or unprofitable activities. The solution of emerging problems is possible only with the support of the state, including with increased efficiency in the field of agricultural cooperation. In regions where infrastructure provision is growing, the interests of small businesses are taken into account and the development of agricultural cooperation is supported, there is an increase in incomes of peasant farms and an increase in the standard of living of the rural population. In addition to the growth of government support, the strategic directions for the development of small businesses and agricultural consumer cooperatives include, in our opinion, the activation of competence centers in the field of agricultural cooperation and support for farmers, the improvement of the organizational structure in the field of agricultural cooperation, and support for the marketing infrastructure of agricultural products.
Russian chickpeas were supplied to more than 40 countries around the world. The importance of chickpea exports for eastern countries is due to its importance in the daily diet. The article considers the components of the author's understanding of the decomposition of chickpea exports from Russia, the purpose of which is to increase its export volumes. The innovative development of Volgograd breeders is indicated – a drought-resistant high-yielding variety of chickpeas "Mars" (2024), which contributes to the expansion of exports. Also presented are three innovative varieties of chickpeas bred in Russia with a yield potential of 25 to 30 kg/ha – Grigory, Bokovsky white-seeded, Anthracite (2023). There was an increase in gross chickpea collections as a foundation for expanding its exports. The authors present the results of the analysis of export shipments of chickpeas from the Russian Federation in the period 2015-2024. The results of the assessment of the Top 10 companies exporting chickpeas of Russia demonstrate a key exporter of chickpeas in 2023 and in 2024 – a company formed in 2001, covering 55 regions of Russia – Volgatrade LLC. An assessment of the Top 10 ports (terminals) of Russia for the export of chickpeas was carried out, the results of which revealed rivalry among two terminals: Azov, Novorossiysk. It is emphasized that, according to the research results for a 10-year period, the Azov terminal was consistently in second place until 2024 (the exception was 2018). Diversification of chickpea supplies around the world made it possible to single out the Top 10 importing countries of Russia and conclude that Turkey, the largest importer of chickpea from Russia, is the leading importer of chickpea in 2024, with an import volume of 62.8%, in second place – Pakistan (15.2%), and in third – India (8.2%). It is noted that at the end of 2024, within the framework of barter trade, the mechanism of which was launched by an agreement signed on the sidelines of the first Pakistan-Russian trade and investment forum, a company from Russia will export chickpeas to Pakistan in exchange for tangerines and rice. Analysis of companies importing chickpeas from the largest exporter Volgatrade LLC by country in 2024 revealed the following distribution in accordance with the number of companies (in descending order): Jordan (2), Turkey (2), Israel (1), Lebanon (1), Pakistan (1). At the same time, the key enterprise importing chickpeas in these countries is BASHAN AGRO GIDA SAN. VE TIC AS (Bashhan) is a global brand exporting products to more than 85 countries.
The best available technologies are a modern tool of the Russian environmental policy, so they should be considered in the context of environmental and economic regulation. The transition to these technologies will be gradual and for the assessment it is necessary to select indicators characterizing the industrial growth of the enterprise with a simultaneous improvement in environmental and resource efficiency, as well as a consistent reduction in the negative impact on the environment.
To solve the challenges facing the Russia, a stable, balanced, and developing economy is needed. At the same time, an important aspect is the planning horizon in the context of deadlines. A strategic management approach presupposes the achievement of long-term goals, which is not available to all business entities, especially small and medium-sized businesses. The lack of a strategic approach to managing domestic businesses, in particular agricultural organizations, may well be explained by a combination of objective and subjective factors. However, it should be noted that "strategic" is not a complete synonym for the term "long-term", but also reflects aspects of the importance of certain goals and parameters for the business. Also, the strategy is the result of the interaction of the internal and external environments of the organization, where within the framework of the first an understanding of the availability and quality of resources is formed, and within the framework of the second – the directions of realizing its potential and possible risks. In addition, strategic analysis differs from other areas of economic analysis in that the interpretation of its results requires a certain degree of abstraction, and its object of consideration is not so much the identified static facts as the manifested trends. The purpose of the study is to analyze the internal environment of agricultural organizations in the context of the trends occurring in them. These trends should indicate the formation of conditions for the balanced and sustainable development of economic entities. In the article, the author described a methodology for forming a criterion system for assessing trends in business entities. The approbation was carried out at the backbone agricultural enterprises of the Samara region. The result of the study was the conclusions about the level of balanced activity of the backbone agricultural organizations of the Samara region, the rating of trends in the internal environment of organizations by frequency of observations.