Development of Workforce Capacity in Russian Agrifood Industry: Innovative Approach

Abstract

The labor force development in agribusiness is of particular importance in task solution of import substitution on the basis of the innovative development of this economic sector in Russia. The authors suggested a system and sectorial approach to study labor resources in agribusiness. The methodology includes the analysis of the factors that determine development trends of the country’s agribusiness, its labor resources, and assessment of their qualification level. The authors distinguished the following trends: reduction in the rural population and low prestige of work in this sector among the youth, which directly affects a decrease in rural labor forces. The problem of understaffing among both direct workers and qualified specialists was revealed. The authors pointed out that an increase in the share of farm workers is a positive phenomenon in agribusiness, as it contributes to improving agrifood industry efficiency as a production system. But the direct factor that affects labor productivity is the staff qualification. New trends and options suggested for action will reduce rural labor shortage, and they can be used to justify decisions in the strategic management and management by objectives in Russian agribusiness.