Transformation of Agri-Food System as a Condition for the Development of Rural Territories

Abstract:

Modern agrarian production is characterized by the reduced role of climate and labour resources in the placement of agrarian production sites. It leads to the emergence of a new specific concept — agri-food system, which is most precisely reflecting its role in the economy. In this regard, it is relevant to develop the methodology for predicting the transformation of the agri-food system on a certain territory. The assessment of the influence of this process on the population’s standard of living and a condition of food security of a region and the country, in general, is also relevant. The purpose of the study is to analysis the current situation and to determine prospects for the development of rural territories in the Ural Federal District (UFD). I have achieved the purpose by means of the comparative, statistical and system analyses as well as socio-economic monitoring carried out by the author’s technique. The study is focused, mainly, on the establishment of directions for the transformation of the regional agri-food system of UFD on the basis of the analysis of existing tendencies. The research period is 2010–2017 with fixation of preliminary findings in 2014. The result of the research is the validation of optimizing model for the development of the rural areas in the industrial regions on the basis of diversification. That is the innovative reorientation of industries typical for territories, when key characteristics of agri-food system change from industrial aspect to the territorial one.