Relevant matters of developing the agricultural sector of the Eurasian Economic Union States were considered at the panel session "Modern Paradigm of Agricultural Development: Global Challenges and Emerging Opportunities" as part of the business program of the 2nd Eurasian Economic Forum in Moscow.

The speakers noted that, despite the difficult economic environment, the dynamic development of the EAEU countries' agricultural sector was ensured through joint measures of the Member States and the Eurasian Economic Commission.

“Agriculture of the Union countries demonstrates positive results. Over the past five years, the increase in production has amounted to 114.4%, and a high level of self-sufficiency has been achieved for the main agricultural products, except for fruits. At the same time, the EAEU countries face serious challenges, having a significant import dependence on material and technical resources", said Artak Kamalyan, EEC Minister in charge of Industry and Agriculture. "In 2022, external delivery of capital goods to the Union market exceeded 5 bln dollars. This situation is perceived not only as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to develop these areas. The EEC works through implementing joint measures for import substitution in the agricultural sector and introducing innovative technologies in the Member States”.

Given the formation of the EAEU agricultural sector as a significant player on the global stage, the session attendees emphasized the need to further deepen cooperation between the Union countries in the field of technology and innovation, logistics and transportation, digitalization and strengthening of the sector's human capacity to form a high-tech and competitive agrobusiness resistant to imbalances in the global economy.

In this regard, building an integral ecosystem and implementing a set of measures based on efficient tools of state regulation, support for industry development, use of advanced technologies, digital platforms and agri-food management systems should become a priority for cooperation between the Member States in the agricultural sector.

The attendees of the panel session discussed and supported a number of proposals concerning the further introduction of innovative and high-tech tools, primarily for sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture (circular economy) and agreed on the need to improve the sector's competitiveness through intensifying crop breeding and seed production and increasing the genetic potential of breeding farm animals. They also discussed the importance of coordinating efforts to scale up the application of precision farming techniques, smart agricultural equipment, and the production of alternative livestock products.

The discussion attendees supported the establishment of the EAEU common market for organic agricultural products and the implementation of state programs to promote production and demand for such products. The parties also agreed to enhance interaction for developing digital management systems in the agricultural sector based on the big data analysis, and application of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in the product supply chain and to develop commodity distribution networks using uniform network standards, principles, technologies and rules for the functioning of wholesale and distribution centers.

The submitted proposals will be considered by the Eurasian Economic Commission involving state administrative bodes authorized in the agricultural sector.