Agricultural sustainability: principles, technologies, and tools

Abstract

The aim of this study was to comprehensively examine the key drivers of sustainable agricultural development and justify it as a key condition for achieving global sustainable development goals, a foundation for the ESG performance of agribusinesses, and a source for improving their operations and increasing investment attractiveness. The article presents a rationale for updating and highlights the principles of sustainability in the agribusiness sector. Advanced sustainable agricultural technologies based on innovation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence are revealed. Instruments for stimulating the sustainable development of agricultural enterprises, including regulatory frameworks, impact investing, and responsible financing, are described. Particular attention is paid to ESG reporting and its standards, focused on agriculture, as a tool for managing corporate sustainability and a driver of progress in the agribusiness sector towards sustainable development. The article presents the prerequisites for developing an industry-specific sustainability reporting standard for agriculture in the context of current challenges associated with the need to consolidate efforts at all levels to implement the ESG agenda and promote responsible business practices among agribusinesses. The value of reporting prepared in accordance with the GRI 13 standard is reflected in terms of information content, analytical value and correlation of disclosures with sustainable development goals at the global level.