Currently, companies around the world are faced with the task of not only increasing their own efficiency and competitiveness, but also complying with the principles of sustainable development. The relevance of this task is determined by increasing climate change and social problems, which force stakeholders to put forward new demands for environmental responsibility and social commitment of business. The ESG concept is a modern concept of doing business based on the principles of sustainable development. It should be noted that the application of ESG in agribusinesses is particularly specific due to the dual role they play in society and the economy: on the one hand, being large sources of greenhouse gas emissions and consumers of natural resources, on the other hand, ensuring food security and promoting development rural areas. The object of the study is the system of sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Tatarstan. The purpose of the study is to characterize the potential of the ESG concept for the development of sustainable development institutions in the agricultural sector of the Republic of Tatarstan and to identify the most effective practices for strengthening the integration of ESG principles into the activities of agro-industrial enterprises. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature on the topic of ESG and sustainable development in the agro-industrial complex, statistical analysis, general scientific methods. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the analysis of the possibilities of applying the ESG concept at enterprises of the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Tatarstan, identifying and systematizing factors that promote or hinder sustainable development in this area.