Circular approaches to the development of agriculture in Russia: a strategic aspect

I. I. Antonova¹ , G. M. Kvon², R. Z. Mukhametshin³

¹ Kazan Innovative University named after V. G. Timiryasov, Kazan, Russia

² Ural State University of Economics, Ekaterinburg, Russia

³ Ural State Mining University, Ekaterinburg, Russia

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Volume 26 No. 8

Date of paper submission: 06.06.2026, date of review: 10.07.2026, date of acceptance: 22.07.2026. 

Published: 08/31/2026

Abstract. The transition to a circular model in Russian agriculture is objectively determined by the need to overcome environmental and resource constraints, as well as to increase the efficiency of the use of natural and productive potential of the industry. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the strategic importance of circular approaches for the sustainable development of agriculture in Russia and to assess their integration into the system of strategic planning, as well as to determine the potential for their implementation through the analysis of key macroeconomic indicators under sanctions. Methods. The methodological basis was a system-structural approach, including structural-dynamic analysis, methods of comparative analysis, tabular and graphical visualization. The scientific novelty lies in a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of circular principles in agriculture at the macro level through an interconnected analysis of the dynamics of waste generation and disposal, investments in environmental protection and gross value added, which makes it possible to quantitatively measure the depth of transformation processes and identify systemic contradictions between strategic goals and real investment practice. Results. Three key areas of circular transformation are identified: closing production cycles through the processing of organic waste into fertilizers, biofuels and feed additives; development of biotechnologies and deep processing of raw materials; digitalization as a tool for managing resource flows. It is established that despite the growth of gross value added of agriculture by 6.4 times over 20 years, the share of investments in environmental protection remains extremely low (0.4–1.2 %), and waste disposal decreased from 82.2 % in 2021 to 54.0 % in 2025, which indicates the preservation of the linear model. It is substantiated that sanctions pressure had a dual impact: on the one hand, it led to the degradation of waste processing infrastructure and the reorientation of investments towards survival; on the other hand, it acted as a catalyst for accelerated import substitution and the activation of circular approaches. Practical significance. The results obtained can be used by regional authorities to adjust state support measures, develop targeted investment strategies and improve the efficiency of managing structural transformations in the agricultural sector.

Keywords: circular economy, agriculture, agro-industrial complex, strategic planning, waste recycling, green investments, sanctions, technological autonomy, food security, bioeconomy, digital transformation

For citation: Antonova I. I., Kvon G. M., Mukhametshin R. Z. Circular approaches to the development of agriculture in Russia: a strategic aspect Agrarian Bulletin of the Urals. 2026; 26 (08): 1560‒1570. https://doi.org/10.32417/1997-4868-2026-26-08-1560-1570 (In Russ.)  

 

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