Prospects of Cooperation in the Agribusiness in Russia

The agribusiness in Russia is one of the key spheres of the economy, and development of cooperation between agro-industrial entities is an important part of public policy. The chapter contains results of the research of the efficiency of agricultural cooperatives and other small forms of agricultural production in Russia using the data of the state statistics, and also the financial reporting of the enterprises. The analysis of the cooperative sector in the agro-industrial complex indicates a low efficiency of existing cooperatives and a downtrend in their number. It was revealed that unincorporated farms have demonstrated better efficiency, and this sector has been developing poorly in the last 5 years. The author analyzes state programs of support and stimulation of agricultural cooperation and farming and its outcome. The author points at the failures, limitations of existing programs, and offers some measures that would increase the attractiveness of cooperation in the agribusiness among small enterprises. State should eliminate or optimize institutional barriers, encourage competition in the agribusiness sectors, support existing farms and their cooperatives. Cooperatives must develop independently on the path and in those forms that are most economically beneficial and suitable for producers.