Role of sunflower production and processing in import substitution

Abstract

The role of sunflower production and processing within the framework of import substitution is extremely important for food industry: in addition to the production of sunflower oil and its fractions, sunflower and its by-products are actively used in confectionery industry, and waste is a valuable feed for farm animals. The study considers the trends in sunflower cultivation and processing in Russia, as well as the development of export and import since the beginning of the food embargo. Today, sunflower is one of the most dynamically developing agricultural crops in Russia, as evidenced by the positive dynamics of sown areas and gross yield. At the same time, in recent years, sunflower cultivation has intensified, as a result of which its yield has increased by 40% over the past 6 years. Among other types of crops actively grown in Russia, sunflower today demonstrates quite high rates, second only to soy. With the dynamic development of sunflower production and processing in the country, there has been a change in the vector of agricultural production of this crop as part of the import substitution strategy and food security. Whereas previously the main strategic objective was to increase the level of self-sufficiency and ensure the country’s domestic needs for sunflower and its by-products, today, as production develops, there is a transition to an export-oriented model.