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Volga Baikal AGRO NEWS Update on the RF food security ranking !!!
In 2020, Russia almost doubled its position in the Global Food Security Index from The Ecomomist Intelligence Unit.
According to the results of 2020, Russia ranked 24th among 113 countries in terms of food security. This follows from the Global Food Security Index, which was prepared for the ninth time by analysts of The Economist Intelligence Unit with the support of Corteva Agriscience.
A year earlier, Russia took only 42nd place: then it scored 69.7 points out of 100 possible, this year-already 73.7 points (at the same time, when calculating the index, one new criterion has now been added). The countries that scored more than 60 points, according to the authors of the rating, have a good level of security, more than 80 points — very good. But there are only two such countries — Finland, which occupies the first place (85.3 points) , and Ireland, which is in second place (83.8 points).
What is the Global Food Security Index?
The Global index, according to its authors, is a “dynamic quantitative and qualitative reference model” built on the basis of 59 different indicators.
The overall score is calculated as a weighted average based on four criteria:
- food availability;
- quality and safety;
- diversity of natural resources and their sustainability.
The scores for the four criteria are calculated as a weighted average of the basic indicators and are measured from zero to the maximum possible score of 100.
It is based on data from national and international statistical sources, including the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the World Resources Institute, and the US Department of Agriculture.
According to the availability of food products, Russia is in the global ranking on the 34th place (64.7 points out of 100 possible), in terms of their quality and safety — on the 30th (84.1 points out of 100 possible).
In Russia, as follows from the rating, “modestly” developed research and development, poorly developed agricultural infrastructure, as well as there are political and social barriers-all this is taken into account when evaluating the criterion of “availability of products”. The quality and safety of food is affected, in particular, by the variety of the diet. In Russia, it is estimated at 58.2 points out of 100 possible.
When calculating such criteria as “diversity of natural resources and their sustainability”, Russia received 55 points out of 100 possible (27th place in the rating).
The availability of food for the population is the 20th line (87.2 points out of 100 possible). Here, analysts take into account, for example, the dynamics of average food costs. In 2020, it was in Russia, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, at a “very good level”, although the quantitative indicator deteriorated by 5 points compared to the previous year. The level of income of the population was also assessed as” good ” (but the quantitative assessment was higher a year earlier). The indicators that estimate the share of the population living below the poverty line and tariffs on agricultural imports showed positive dynamics.
What officials and experts say
The Ministry of Agriculture of RBC reported that they positively assess the increase in Russia’s position in the Global Food Security Index, but stressed that the methodology used in its calculation is not indicative for our country. In Russia, to assess the level of self-sufficiency, the criteria specified in the Food Security Doctrine are used, the representative of the ministry recalls.
What is the Food Security Doctrine?
In 2010, then-President Dmitry Medvedev approved the first Food Security Doctrine. The document established standards for the main types of agricultural products and food, which Russia should provide itself with its own production.
In July 2020, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin reported to the State Duma that the food security doctrine was “fulfilled”: Russia is provided with grain by 155%, sugar-by 125%, meat-by 97%. At the same time, for a number of products, such as milk and potatoes, the country has not reached the level of self-sufficiency.
The updated food security doctrine until 2030 was approved by President Vladimir Putin in January 2020: the self-sufficiency threshold for sugar and vegetable oil was raised from 80 to 90%, and for fish products – from 80 to 85%. The self-sufficiency rates for grain (95%), meat (85%), milk and dairy products (90%), and potatoes (95%) have not changed. There are new product groups-vegetables and melons, as well as fruits and vegetables, which Russia should be provided with 90 and 60%, respectively.
Characteristics of Russia: heavy logistics, colossal distances and differences in natural and climatic conditions.
The fact that Russia managed to increase the level of food security in 2020, D. Rylko (General Director of IKAR) considers as “a great success”. Against the background of the pandemic, the situation in the countries that import food has deteriorated, and Russia, which in recent years has restricted imports and developed its own production, has strengthened its position, the expert explains.
