Study of Agro-Industrial Firms’ Risks in Volgograd Region

The article presents the results of tudy of agro-industrial firms’ risks in Volgograd Region. Agriculture occupies a large share in the structure of gross regional product of Volgograd Region, is one of the most risky economic sectors, which determines the importance and relevance of the study of the risks faced by the region’s agricultural holdings. The author pays special attention to the risks that are characteristic of Volgograd Region agro-holdings at the current stage of development of the region’s agricultural sector. The authors indicate the following hazards. They are the risk of excess harvest, risk of reduced yield, natural and environmental risks, risk of losses, risk of shortage of agricultural machinery, spare parts and seeds due to import restrictions, credit risk, financial risk. The risk of excess harvest is confirmed by statistical data of recent years, at the same time, agricultural holdings are also exposed to the risk of reduced yield of agricultural crops due to weather conditions among other things. In the article, the authors analyses natural and environmental risks’ specific to the agricultural sector. Since 2019, the share of unprofitable agricultural organizations in Volgograd region increased, and profitability indicators decreased. The complicated geopolitical situation and foreign economic sanctions led to risks of shortages of agricultural machinery, spare parts and seeds, disruption of supply chains, and limitation of markets for agricultural products. Agricultural holdings invest available funds in financial investments including digital financial assets which allow us to talk about financial risks. Based on the results of the study, the author identifies two groups of risks for agricultural firms. They are risks due to the specifics of agriculture, and risks due to modern challenges and threats.