GEOPOLITICAL FRAGMENTATION AND FOOD SECURITY

The article examines the features of geopolitical fragmentation in the agri-food sector. Geopolitical events and armed conflicts, accompanied by the widespread use of economic sanctions and the growth of protectionist policies in international trade have a particularly strong impact on the agri-food sector and food security. Due to the low elasticity of supply and demand, as well as the high concentration of production and sources of food exports, raw agricultural products and, above all, grain, in the world markets of which Russia occupies leading positions, are highly susceptible to geopolitical risks. It is shown that Russia, in the context of geopolitical fragmentation, can strengthen its position in regional food markets. The main risks to the sustainability and stability of Russia’s food security due to the concentration of agricultural export destinations are identified. It is noted that India and the countries of Southeast Asia, which are expected to experience growth in food consumption in the next decade, offer new opportunities for the development of Russian agricultural exports with high untapped potential. In order to minimize the risks of excessive concentration of export directions, Russia needs to develop a balanced strategy that will allow developing exports without jeopardizing the domestic market.