Regional Features of Food Security in Russia

Abstract

Providing the population with food is one of the most pressing problems of national security of all states in the world. Therefore, the problem of food security is as important and complex as, for example, national security issues. Its role in the functioning of the state is determined by the most important task—to preserve the nation’s health now and in the future. In this regard, the aim of the study is to identify regional characteristics of food security in Russia and assess the role of the food industry in providing food to the population. The main research methods are indicative, statistical, analytical, and comparative. The paper analyzes the main indicators of food security. The authors identify the regions that provide the nationwide needs of the population for agricultural products and calculate the typology of regions according to the main indicators. The main findings of the study are the conclusion that the most favorable agro-climatic conditions and a favorable transport and geographical location are typical for a relatively small number of Russian regions that occupy leading positions in export–import operations in the food market. The novelty of the study is in the identification of the role of not only the leaders in the food production, but also those who, having no competitive advantages in natural and climatic factors, develop the food industry as the leading one in the system of processing industries of the non-primary sector. An important role of state food policy in ensuring food security in the country and its regions is noted. Therefore, the solution of many problems depends on the authorities’ ability to confront and eliminate challenges and threats, as well as to predetermine these problems in a timely manner.