MAIN DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND DIRECTIONS FOR GRAIN SUBCOMPLEX REGULATION IN SOUTHERN FEDERAL DISTRICT

One of the most important tasks in ensuring food security is the optimization of mechanisms and selection of regulatory directions for grain subcomplex, which plays a key role in the sustainable development of agro-industrial complex. An assessment of main development trends of grain subcomplex in Southern Federal District for 2020-2024 reveals yield fluctuations within the range of 35.1-45.8 c/ha, gross harvest of 31.8-41.1 million tons and a decrease in the area sown to grain and leguminous crops by 2.1%. A comparative analysis demonstrates that the average annual yield of grain and legume crops in Southern Federal District exceeded the national average by 33.9% during the analyzed period. The district’s share of total Russian grain production ranges from 23.9% to 29.1%, indicating its significant contribution to the country’s grain security. Research results indicate that implementation of federal and regional government support programs for Southern Federal District’s agro-industrial complex has resulted in an 8.0% increase in energy capacity and an upgrade of the agricultural machinery fleet. This contributes to an increase in the technological sophistication of the industry, a reduction in the resource intensity of production and, consequently, to a stronger competitive position for Southern Federal District’s grain subcomplex in domestic and foreign markets. However, as of 2024, the grain subcomplex remains dependent on imported equipment. A study aimed at identifying regulatory vectors for Southern Federal District’s grain subcomplex revealed that existing problems and imbalances in its development necessitate the development of a set of measures aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of production processes. The article presents the key areas of government regulation of the grain subcomplex, including price regulation, subsidies, implementation of government programs, procurement interventions, antitrust measures, and infrastructure investments. It emphasizes the need to consider the specifics of the grain industry and regional characteristics, as well as the importance of partnerships between all elements of the food supply system to achieve maximum regulatory effectiveness.