This book provides a comprehensive analysis of Russian food policy. Food policy is defined as the way government policy influences food production and distribution. Russia’s food policy is important for several reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that a dysfunctional food policy is symptomatic of larger political and societal problems. A failing food policy is often the precursor to political instability. Russian food policy is also important is due to the agricultural recovery since 2004 that has allowed Russia to become self-sufficient in grain production. Being food-sufficient in grain means that Russia is not drawing upon global grain supply. Even more important, Russia now produces surpluses and has become a global grain supplier. Moreover, the agricultural recovery has made the country food secure, traditionally defined as having enough food for a healthy life. An analysis of food policy reveals that the structure of food production has changed with the emergence of mega-farms called agroholdings that are horizontally and vertically integrated. Agroholdings represent a concentration of capital and land, with a small number of farms producing large percentages of total food output. The book explores alternatives to the industrial agricultural model by discussing different variants of sustainable agriculture. A final importance of Russian food policy concerns food trade. Russia has become more protectionist since 2012. The food embargo against Western nations (2014-2017) is one example, so too is import substitution that is a core component of food policy. The book demonstrates the politicalization of external food trade. Food trade and denial of access to the Russian market is used as an instrument of foreign policy to punish countries with whom Russia has disagreements. Current Russian policymakers have food resources to augment, support, and extend national interests abroad. Russia historically has cycled through periods of integration and isolation from the West. This book raises the question whether a new normal has arisen that is characterized by the permanent withdrawal from integration, as evidenced by its nationalist and protectionist food policy. The book is entirely original, rich in detail and broad in scope. It is based on field work, survey data, a wide reading of primary sources and the secondary literature, all of which are linked to important policy questions in development studies and food studies. It is destined to become a classic book on Russian food policy.
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This book analyzes contemporary Russian food policy, covering the structure and operation of the food system and how the government policy affects production and distribution of food. It examines international food trade policies, with special attention to Russia’s food embargo, the politization of food trade, and an increase in protectionism.
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Preface Introduction Chapter 1: The Food System in Contemporary Russia Chapter 2: Domestic Food Policies and Food Security Chapter 3: Food Policy and Household Food Security Chapter 4: External Food Trade and Food Security Chapter 5: Sustainability and Food Security Chapter 6: Russia’s Future Food Policy and Food Security Appendix Bibliography About the Authors
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Wegren, Nikulin, and Trotsuk have tackled a big subject: Russian policies affecting the supply of food in Russia. They have dealt with it comprehensively, displaying a wealth of knowledge and insight and producing a book of real substance. Whether dealing with ‘counter-sanctions’, fast-food trends, large agro-holdings, or ecological sustainability, they deploy a wide range of source material, clear exposition, and shrewd judgement. The subject is both politically and economically important but has been neglected by Western analysts. This is a timely and impressive study.
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781498532372
Publisert
2018-02-28
Utgiver
Vendor
Lexington Books
Vekt
640 gr
Høyde
236 mm
Bredde
161 mm
Dybde
30 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
330

Biographical note

Stephen K. Wegren is professor in the Political Science Department at Southern Methodist University. Alexander Nikulin is director of the Center for Agrarian Studies at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Irina Trotsuk is associate professor of sociology at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia and senior researcher at the Center for Agrarian Studies at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.