DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCTION FOR THE OWNERS OF FAMILY FARMS

Abstract

The value of digital technologies for owners of family farms lies in the possibility of ensuring their relationship with potential suppliers and buyers of small-scale products. The introduction of digitalization in agriculture will allow organizing a strategic partnership, gaining access to educational, financial and legal services. The digitalization of the agricultural sector will contribute to a qualitative change in the nature of labor, labor demand and qualifications. Appropriate education and training is one of the main requirements for improving digital knowledge. In Russia, there are not enough independent advisory services that provide support to the owners of private households (PHH), and the heads of peasant farms (PF). The field that requires a comprehensive study of this issue, namely the objective need to create a digital skills training model focused on farmers and family owners, is highlighted. The methodological basis is the materials of the survey among the owners of private household plots. According to the results of the study, it was revealed that more than 70% of respondents do not plan to continue improving their professional competencies. The problem of the digital gap is that this population group is lagging behind due to the lack of e-literacy and digital skills. It is concluded that its solution should become one of the priorities of socio-economic policy. State authorities should provide the owners of private households, potential private sector investors, and start-up enterprises with the socioeconomic grounds for digitalization, organize the collection and analysis of data on digital technologies at the regional and national levels, and also ensure the development of sustainable business models and digital solutions for the inclusion of small producers into the digital transformation of agriculture.