Family Farming in Russian Regions, Small-Scale Agriculture and Food Supporting Russia’s Food Self-Sufficiency

In the paper is argued that the potential role of small-scale Russian agriculture and food is underestimated. Based on an overview of Russian agriculture the position of family farming is illustrated. The scope of small-scale-agriculture is broader than food production. It has opportunities also on employment, rural livelihoods, ethic, social and cultural diversity and ecological values. Illustrated by a number of examples it becomes clear that small-scale agriculture is a strong potential factor in local and regional development of Russia. The question how to stimulate small-scale agriculture and food is answered by elaborating five focal points: stimulating a chain and a network approach, modernization of small-scale agriculture and food, increasing regional capacities, and governance, both at a regional, national and international level. In the paper the results of a Case study in Krasnodar of a private organic/natural agriculture and food chain are presented. This shows that basic principles of working in local chains and networks are already practiced in Russia. Moreover it shows that there is a good breeding ground for application of the recommendations, presented in this paper.