Assessment of ecological and economic sustainability of agriculture in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

Subject. This article discusses a set of economic, social and environmental indicators of the agricultural sector sustainability. Objectives. The study aims to assess the ecological and economic sustainability of agriculture in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in comparison with the North Caucasus Federal District and the Russian Federation, to identify correlations between economic growth and environmental impacts, and develop an adapted regional model of a sustainable business process. Methods. For the study, we used methods of economic and statistical, comparative and correlation analyses (using the Pearson coefficient), and modeling. Results. The article reveals a significant increase in the volume of agricultural production in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic over the specified period. It also proposes a five-block model of a sustainable business process that integrates the principles of circular economy and organic farming. Conclusions. To achieve ecological and economic sustainability, it is necessary to introduce mechanisms for "breaking" correlations. The results can be helpful in the formation of a regional policy of "green" modernization of agriculture and agricultural producers in the transition to sustainable management models.