Strengthening the role of regions in ensuring food security of the country in the context of import substitution and sanctions pressure (based on the materials of the Smolensk region)

Abstract

This article examines the strengthening of the regions' role in ensuring food security for the Russian Federation in the face of sanctions and import substitution policies. The study's objective is to identify effective mechanisms for increasing the regional agro-industrial complex's contribution to achieving the country's food sovereignty, using the Smolensk region as an example. The methodological basis is a systematic analysis of statistical data, economic comparison methods, and a summary of regional agro-industrial complex management practices. Key indicators of agricultural development in the Smolensk region for 2020-2025 are analyzed, including investment dynamics (an 84% increase to 13.8 billion rubles), milk production (a 6.2% increase over the first nine months of 2025), and grain production (exceeding 400,000 tons for the first time). The key factors contributing to the region's success were identified: a strategic focus on deep processing of agricultural raw materials, production diversification with the development of greenhouse vegetable growing and horticulture, technological modernization based on domestic equipment, and the efficient use of the logistical potential of its border location. Particular attention was paid to the revival of flax cultivation as the region's historical specialization: a flax processing plant with a capacity of up to 5,000 tons per year was opened, and an export contract worth 50 million yuan was signed with China. The region's self-sufficiency in grain was found to have reached 132.1%, in eggs 143.9%, and in potatoes 100.2%. Conclusions were drawn that the country's food security depends on the security of each region, and an effective regional policy combining state support, investment attraction, and processing development can ensure long-term growth of the agro-industrial complex and strengthen food sovereignty.