Ensuring Food Security in Russia: Current State of Affairs, Challenges, and Opportunities for Development

Introduction. The relevance of this study lies in the imperative to ensure a sustainable food supply for Russia amid both global and domestic challenges, to reduce dependence on imports, to develop the agricultural sector, and to leverage innovation to strengthen the country’s food security and sovereignty. This article aims to analyze the current state of food security in Russia, to identify existing challenges, and to explore strategies for its improvement and sustainable development. Materials and methods. The study utilized articles from scientific journals and conference proceedings, as well as official statistics from the Federal State Statistics Service and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. The analysis relied on data concerning Russia’s food supply from 2015 to 2024 and on the prevalence of food insecurity among the population. Results. Food security in Russia is characterized by generally favorable indicators across most major products, including grain, oil, potatoes, meat, fish, and eggs. However, some products (milk, vegetables, fruits, and salt) fall below recommended thresholds and are particularly crucial for vulnerable populations. Key internal challenges include high public debt, a decline in small-scale farms, and dependence on energy resources and quality standards. External threats include economic sanctions, currency fluctuations, and volatility in energy prices. Despite a decrease in acute food insecurity, access to adequate food remains constrained by financial difficulties and high inflation, especially among people living in poverty.