Trends and problems in the development of organic potato farming in Russia

The article examines the development trends of the global and national potato production market through indicators characteristic of this type of economic activity. The FAO databases, materials from the analytical agency Mordor Intelligence and BRICS, and databases from the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia (Rosstat) were used for the analysis. Russia's leadership in potato production in the world is proven, having taken fifth place in the ranking of leading countries in 2023. At the same time, a trend of decreasing potato production in the country, observed since the beginning of the 21st century, is noted. The features of organic potato growing and its problems are described. Among them, the problems typical for both traditional potato production and organic technologies are highlighted: weather anomalies, climate change and the problem of storing potatoes in unstable climatic conditions. The consequences in the form of the emergence of fungal and viral diseases, the emergence of new pathogens, and increased humidity during storage are described. To solve the identified problems, a more active use of modern agrobiotechnology is proposed both in the production of seed material and directly in the cultivation of potatoes and their storage. An attempt is made to explain the underdevelopment of organic potato growing in the Russian Federation by the high degree of risk of this production, the increased cost of finished products and the lack of demand for these products in the commodity market. It is noted that in the state policy for the development of organic production, potatoes are not given due attention. In conclusion, findings are formulated describing modern trends in the development of potato growing by traditional and organic methods, and a range of problems is outlined.