National policy of import substitution in the sphere of agro-industrial complex as a mechanism for ensuring food security of Russia in the conditions of sanctions pressure

   Introduction. The ongoing geopolitical turbulence in the context of a highly globalized world economy has led most countries to a loss of national sovereignty, including technological sovereignty, due to the possibility of more effectively meeting national needs through international trade or transnational production. However, geopolitical disagreements related to the redistribution and retention of political power at the global level make it possible to preserve it by launching economic instruments of sanctions pressure, which work effectively in conditions of loss of national economic sovereignty. In this regard, questions about an effective mechanism for its restoration become relevant.

   The purpose of the study conducted in the article is to analyze the effectiveness of the Russian import substitution mechanism in the agro-industrial complex and to propose options for its improvement aimed at maintaining technological sovereignty.

  Methods. Based on the application of a systems approach, a relationship was established between ensuring food security and import substitution policy in the technological sphere of the agro-industrial complex, which can ensure solutions to the strategic tasks of national development. In the course of the research conducted in the article, such methods as analysis of statistical and expert data, a sociological survey were used, which made it possible to formulate reasonable conclusions.

   Results. The study identified both the achieved results of using the import substitution mechanism within the Russian agro-industrial complex and the barriers that have not been overcome. The following positive results were highlighted: - partial solution to the problem of food dependence for a number of product groups; - positive macrodynamics of food security for Russian citizens; - stable state financial support for the agro-industrial complex; - implementation of strategic federal projects to support and develop the agro-industrial complex. Among the barriers that have not been overcome, the following are noted as key: - a shortage of qualified personnel; - the lost scientific heritage of the USSR; - a lack of financial resources.

   Conclusions. Despite the fact that the mechanism of import substitution in the sphere of ensuring food security has been launched, a systemic state policy is needed to neutralize key barriers, which confirms the expert opinion of the participants of the sociological survey. Among the important instruments that have already proven themselves in domestic practice are: - scaling up the "zemskie ..." project to workers in the agro-industrial complex, similar to teachers and doctors; - preferential mortgages for young families; - direct funding of research; - co-financing of pilot implementations of new technological solutions; - increasing the number of budget places in postgraduate studies (in relevant specialties), etc.

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