The role of the state in ensuring food import substitution at the regional level in a pandemic

Abstract

The study analyzes the aspects that determine the change in the role of the state and the form of its impact on the agricultural sector in the context of the impact of the pandemic on all socio-economic processes in the country. The article reveals the importance of implementing the import substitution program from social and economic positions for Russia. A complex of adverse consequences brought by the pandemic to the public life and economy of the country is given, which determines the change in the role of the state in matters of regulation and direct financial support of agricultural production. The article discusses the advisability of using "helicopter money" as a way to help the population in difficult social conditions and at the same time as a way to stimulate effective demand for essential domestic products, including food products. In the context of a pandemic, the necessity of payments to support direct agricultural producers to maintain their financial stability is substantiated, the calculation of which is recommended to be tied to the arable land area and livestock population. The study provides a list of basic principles that are recommended to be applied when using instruments of direct financial support and regulation from the state. It is important to ensure not only the survival of agribusiness in the current conditions, but also to create opportunities for maintaining investment activity in the implementation of large projects, as well as to ensure the maintenance of the level of intensification in the current production cycle.