Development of milk and dairy production in the food markets of Russia

Introduction. The topic is relevant because, under the conditions of economic sanctions and instability in international markets, Russia needs to develop its own production of milk and dairy products to reduce dependence on imports and ensure food security. The article analyzes the prospects of milk and dairy production in Russia’s food markets. Materials and methods. The study materials were periodicals and conference abstracts on trends in the development of the dairy industry and dairy cattle breeding in Russia. Research methods were abstract-logical, monographic, calculative-constructive, comparative, and statistical analysis. Results. According to FAO data on milk production results in 2020, Russia is in 7th place. In Russia, about 20 thousand agricultural organizations of various forms of ownership with a population of 3.1 million cows are engaged in milk production. In 2021, milk production in all categories of farms amounted to 32.3 million tons, more than 100 thousand tons (+0.3%) compared to the production level of 2020. In the structure of milk production, agricultural organizations account for 55.5%, peasant (farmer) farms – 8.8%, and households – 35.7%. Among the leading regions in milk production is the Volga Federal District. It accounts for almost a third of the total volume of the product – about 9.5 million tons. The Ministry of Agriculture provides a set of state support measures to stimulate milk production and processing. In 2020, its total volume exceeded 38 billion rubles. In 2021, a comparable level of support volume was provided. In addition, as a stimulus measure during the pandemic period, 10.6 billion rubles were provided to agrarians to reimburse the cost of purchasing fodder for dairy cattle. The key reference point for the industry is the doctrine of food security. Conclusion. The production of milk and dairy products in the food markets of Russia and the world has significant prospects. Russia has an opportunity to develop the export of dairy products, especially to the CIS countries and the Asia-Pacific region, which can become an additional source of income for producers.