Russia’s agricultural sector is struggling with a 200,000-person labor deficit, according to Sergey Mitin, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council’s Agricultural Committee. Only 14.5% of agricultural workers hold higher education degrees—far below the 35% average across other industries.
Despite growing enrollment in agricultural universities (up 10.6% in 2024-2025), budget-funded spots have decreased by 1,800, worsening the talent pipeline. Meanwhile, only 6,000 graduates enter the workforce annually—far below the 150,000 new workers needed each year.
Why Workers Are Leaving Agriculture
- Low wages: Average salary in agriculture is 54,000 RUB/month, compared to 75,000 RUB in construction (Rosstat, 2024).
- Seasonal instability: Temporary work deters long-term employment.
- Rural decline: Since 2010, hundreds of thousands have migrated from villages to cities.
- Negative perception: Farming is seen as physically demanding with poor social benefits.
Government & Industry Solutions
1. Expanding Targeted Education Programs
- 11,700 employer-sponsored student slots requested for 2025—1.5x more than 2024.
- 80% of agricultural students to be enrolled in employer-backed programs by 2030 (Ministry of Agriculture).
- 50 pilot “agro-tech classes” launched in schools, aiming for 18,000 by 2030 to engage 300,000 students.
2. Modernizing Agricultural Education
- 85+ updated degree programs co-developed with industry leaders.
- New specializations in agrobiotech, drones, robotics, and digital farming.
- “Agro-Professionalitet” initiative to strengthen vocational training in rural colleges.
3. Improving Working Conditions
- Higher wages + benefits: Competitive pay, housing, healthcare.
- Reducing seasonality: Diversifying farm operations for year-round employment.
- Village revitalization: Better infrastructure, schools, and transport to retain rural populations.
A Call for Systemic Change
Russia’s agricultural labor crisis threatens food security and export growth targets. While government programs aim to boost education and rural development, agribusinesses must also innovate:
- Partner with universities to shape curricula.
- Invest in worker benefits to compete with urban jobs.
- Leverage automation to reduce reliance on manual labor.
Without urgent action, labor shortages could lead to lower yields, rising costs, and increased food imports. The future of Russian agriculture depends on attracting talent today.
