CROP GROWING POTENTIAL OF THE REGION AS A BASIS FOR SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND A GUARANTEE OF FOOD SECURITY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE SVERDLOVSK REGION)

This article examines the crop production potential of the Sverdlovsk Region from the perspective of sustainability. The region is located in a zone of high-risk agriculture; consequently, self-sufficiency in vegetable production falls short of the benchmarks set by the Food Security Doctrine. Production sustainability cannot always be assured, as weather-related risks frequently lead to the loss of a portion of the harvest. The aim of this article is to analyze the risk factors affecting the region's crop production sector. Table 1 examines the structure of the region's sown areas and provides a brief description of each crop type. Table 2 presents data on the gross harvest of grain and vegetable crops in the Sverdlovsk Region over the past three years. In Table 3, the authors analyze risks associated with crop production and outline ways to address them. Table 4 analyzes the development potential and constraining factors within the Sverdlovsk Region's crop production sector. In their conclusions, the authors note that there is potential for developing the crop production sector in the Sverdlovsk Region. Realizing this potential requires measures such as the formation of consumer cooperatives by peasant farms to improve supply chains and facilitate product distribution through sales channels, as well as the exploration of new market niches that meet consumer demand.