Reputation capital as a factor of sustainable development of agricultural enterprises in Russia

In the context of global challenges, import substitution, and growing attention to environmental, social, and managerial aspects, Russia's agricultural sector is undergoing a profound transformation. This article substantiates the thesis that reputational capital ceases to be a secondary intangible asset and becomes a critically important strategic factor in the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of agricultural enterprises. The points of view on the concept of reputational capital are presented, and the criteria for its assessment in Russian practice are characterized. Based on the analysis of industry practice, expert opinions and corporate reporting of agricultural companies, the multifaceted impact of reputation on the main parameters of their development is investigated: access to investment and government support, loyalty of consumers and partners, human resources and resilience to crises in Russian conditions. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, as well as the Russian experience in managing the reputational capital of agricultural enterprises, systemic problems in this area in Russia have been identified: fragmented perception of reputation, lack of standardized industry tools for its assessment, as well as personnel and technological risks. The integration of ESG principles into corporate strategy, the active development of the public expert position of managers, the introduction of systemic reputational monitoring and participation in the formation of industry standards of sustainability are proposed as promising areas for the formation and strengthening of reputational capital. The author concludes that in the modern paradigm, reputational capital serves not only as a protective buffer, but also as a catalyst for innovation, providing agricultural enterprises with sustainable development in the long term.