Economic characteristics of pig breeding in Russia

Abstract

The article presents the results of analytical studies of the main economic characteristics of pig production in Russia. Theoretical and methodological basis was developed according to the works on the theory of strategic management. The information base for the study was formed upon the data from the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia, National Union of Swine Breeders, AFK Group of Companies (St. Petersburg), expert-analytical center of agribusiness (Maykop), annual reports of the largest Russian agricultural holdings. On the whole, the industry is attractive in terms of opportunities for development and viability of investment. Annual production volumes are 3.5 million tons of pork in slaughter weight, or about 300-400 billion rubles. The market is growing at a rate of at least 5% per year, but growth rates are slowing. The industry is highly consolidated; 20 large vertically integrated holdings provide 62% of output. Pig products are standardized and intended for further processing; price competition prevails in the markets. Self-sufficiency in domestic products has exceeded 90% in recent years.  The share of import has significantly decreased. The industry is characterized by high capital intensity; the cost of investment projects is estimated in the billions of rubles. Innovative development of pig production in Russia has been adopting imported technologies and developments. The level of dependence on imported machinery and equipment, breeding materials, feed additives and veterinary drugs is critical. The industry is attractive upon profitability criterion (industry profitability rate is above the average for the economy).