Assessment of the Level of Food Security in Russia in the Context of Import Substitution

Abstract

The article is devoted to assessing the food security of the Russian Federation in the context of the implementation of the import substitution policy. With this objective in view, the authors consider the system of indicators of food security assessment: level of food self-sufficiency, degree of satisfaction of population’s physiological needs for principal food products, level of economic affordability of food. As provided by the suggested method of assessment, the study determines the criteria by every index allowing the authors to evaluate the level of food security (using point system) as optimal, permissible or low one. Economic affordability of food analysis assumes that several indicators are to be considered in conformity with the following criteria: proportion of population with incomes below living wage; ratio of food expenses in the final consumption expenses structure of households; degree of inequality of population distribution according to income level. The level of economic affordability of food determines the possibility of acquiring food, depending on the size of incomes and price levels. As a result of the calculations, it was found that the integrated assessment of food security in Russia amounted to 8 points, which corresponds to permissible level. At the same time there are explicit threats to food security: rather high level of income inequality in the region, growing index of consumer price for food products. The obtained results are necessary while planning and elaborating the measures of the economic policy to ensure, maintain and increase the level of food security.