OVERCOMING THE PERSONNEL DEFICIT IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF YOUTH AS A STRATEGIC CONDITION FOR FOOD SECURITY IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Introduction. In the context of external restrictions and the need for technological sovereignty, the state of the agro-industrial complex (AIC) is of particular importance for the national security of the Russian Federation. The main resource for the sustainability of this industry is human capital, which has shown negative trends in recent years. On the one hand, the AIC requires an increasing number of highly qualified specialists who can effectively use digital technologies, modern equipment, and innovative farming methods. On the other hand, there is an aging rural population, migration of young people to cities, a loss of prestige for agricultural work, and a lack of measures to support employment in rural areas. This situation highlights the need to find effective mechanisms for attracting, retaining, and realizing the potential of various youth groups in the agro-industrial sector. The purpose of this study is to identify the conditions and strategic measures necessary to overcome the shortage of personnel and effectively integrate young people into the agricultural sector. Methods. The work used the economic and legal method (to determine the strategic conditions for the formation of an effective personnel policy); the analysis method (when considering theoretical approaches to the study of human capital); the synthesis method (when forming an effective personnel policy in the agricultural sector). Results. Based on a systematic analysis of scientific publications, legal acts, and empirical data, the paper substantiates the need to transition from fragmented measures to the development of a comprehensive organizational and social mechanism for managing labor potential. Special attention is given to the potential of various youth groups, including veterans of the Special Military Operation, university and college graduates, and young mothers, as drivers of innovative development in the agricultural sector. The study identified and systematized the main barriers that hinder the integration of young people into agribusiness: institutional (lack of interdepartmental policy), socio-demographic (low labor prestige, migration, and insufficient infrastructure), and economic (limited access to credit resources and markets). Discussion. To overcome these challenges, the authors propose strategic measures, including a comprehensive mechanism for integrating young people, a differentiated approach to target groups (veterans of the Special Military Operation, graduates, and young mothers), and economic and mathematical modeling of personnel needs. The authors argue that implementing these conditions will help reduce the projected shortage of personnel (estimated at 200,000 to 300,000 by 2030) and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector as the foundation of Russia's food sovereignty.
