Organic agriculture in Russia: development drivers and constraints

Introduction. The global population’s growing needs for food, promotion of healthy eating, revision of climate and environmental agendas, and the search for alternative pathways of agriculture development have contributed to the increasing popularity of organic agriculture. The development of this sector both worldwide and in Russia is considered to be one of the objectives in building a modern model of agriculture, as well as a basis for the transition of rural areas to sustainable development and the formation of green economy.

The purpose of the study is to assess the level of development of organic agriculture in Russia in the current economic conditions and work out measures aimed at the development of this sector.

Methods. Along with traditional methods of research (observation, comparative economic analysis and synthesis, analysis of statistical reporting, generalization), special methods were used (economic and statistical, abstract and logical, calculation and constructive, monographic and expert-based ones).

Results. While there are certain positive trends in the development of organic agriculture in Rusia, the sector has not realized its existing potential and is still in its infancy. The development of the sector in Russia is most significantly hampered by the insufficient level of the population’s real disposable incomes (effective demand) and the absence of a comprehensive system of direct government support, not a lack of supply of organic products. Measures have been outlined, the implementation of which will contribute to the development of domestic organic farming and livestock farming.

Conclusion. The introduction of organic agriculture development mechanisms proposed in the course of the present study will assist in achieving the economic, social and environmental effects. Programs for organic agriculture development should act as one of the main tools of the stimulating state policy and be taken into account in general programs aimed at the development of the agricultural sector in Russia.