Substantiation of structural changes priorities in the Saratov region agro-food complex

Introduction. Modern challenges and threats to the development of Russian agro-food complex determine search for new growth sources complex, strengthening orientation towards formation a balanced functional sectoral structure. The relevance regional aspect research substantiation structural changes in is associated with deep socio-economic, natural-climatic socio-cultural differentiation country’s regions. Theoretical analysis. Changing role regions solving food security problems providing population quality global trend. rupture chains as result COVID-19 pandemic sanctions confrontation strengthens influence local producers on market, suggests need form multilevel country. Structural Russia have their own characteristics heterogeneity its spatial development. Empirical accelerated agricultural sector Saratov region economy due concentration production limited group products (cereals oilseeds, sugar) has been revealed. market segments, which surplus shortage products, are determined. It substantiated that current trends extrapolation preserves unbalanced structure further share raw materials primary processing while reducing products. Results. Adaptation risks an increasing trend localization supply food. priority areas system should be diversification production, materials, intensification interregional exchange.