The role of food system entities in the formation of sustainable food supply chains

The paper reflects the role of various actors of food systems in responsible supply chains that have a significant impact on the sustainability of food systems. Approaches to the formation of sustainable supply chains are considered in a broad sense, combining the requirements for due diligence of counterparties in terms of minimizing financial, tax and ESG risks and in a narrow sense, when the main attention is paid to minimizing ESG risks. The features of the influence of subjects of food systems (institutional and business entities, employees, consumers) on the sustainability of supply chains are analyzed. It is proved that subjects play a different role in the formation of sustainable supply chains, depending on their authority. Institutional actors and owners of supply chains have the greatest influence. As an example, the supply chains of Russian agro-industrial holdings and network trade organizations are considered. The paper identifies problems and suggests the main directions for the formation of sustainable food supply chains.