Russian meat industry in the area of sustainable development

In modern conditions, assurance of the global and national food security is becoming a high-priority task that requires a complex approach to the development of the agro-industrial complex. The research is devoted to the analysis of the modern trends influencing the achievement of the key sustainable development goals, in particular SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The aim of the study was to develop directions of increasing sustainability of food systems, especially in the segment of meat product production through introduction of the sustainable development principles and ESG practices. During the study, the following methods were used: development of a specialized questionnaire to assess the introduction of the ESG principles; expert monitoring of enterprises of the meat industry; analysis of the implementation of the sustainable development goals; assessment of the existing ESG practices. The results of the study include systematization of modern approaches to sustainable development in the meat industry, determination of the current state of introduction of ESG principles at enterprises; detection of the main barriers and challenges in introduction of the sustainable practices; formation of recommendations on an increase in efficiency of implementation of the sustainable development goals. The scientific novelty resides in the complex approach to assessment of food system sustainability with account for special features of the meat industry and current global challenges. Practical significance of the study consists in the opportunity of using the obtained results to improve management decisions in the sphere of sustainable development of meat industry enterprises as well as to develop strategies for enhancing their competitiveness in the conditions of the growing ecological and social responsibility of business. The results of the study can be useful to specialists in the area of food industry, representatives of governing bodies of the agro-industrial complex, researchers and everyone who is interested in the development of sustainable practices in the agro-industrial sector.

1. Lai, Y., Du, R., He, J., Zhou, J., Yao, L. (2025). Vicious cycle or virtuous feedback? Revisiting the impact of climate risk on agricultural carbon emissions in China. Climate Smart Agriculture, 2(3), Article100065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csag.2025.100065

2. Alam, A., Banna, H., Roni, N. N., Abedin, M.Z. (2025). Sowing sustainability: How does fintech mitigate agricultural financial risk from climate change vulnerability. International Review of Economics and Finance, 101, Article 104226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2025.104226

3. Mao, H., Sun, Z., Chai, A., Fang, L., Shi, C. (2025). Extreme weather, agricultural insurance and farmer’s climate adaptation technologies adoption in China. Ecological Economics, 228, Article 108456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108456

4. Crofils, C., Gallic, E., Vermandel, G. (2025). The dynamic effects of weather shocks on agricultural production. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 130, Article 103078. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeem.2024.103078

5. Iuga, I. C., Mudakkar, S. R., Dragolea, L. L. (2024). Agricultural commodities market reaction to COVID 19. Research in International Business and Finance, 69, Article 102287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102287

6. Yao, P., Fan, H., Wu, Q., Ouyang, J., Li., K. (2023). Compound impact of COVID 19, economy and climate on the spatial distribution of global agriculture and food security. Science of The Total Environment, 880, Article 163105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163105

7. Rauf, A., Abu-Izneid, T., Olatunde, A., Khalil, A., Alhumaydhi, F. A., Tufail, T. et al. (2020). COVID 19 pandemic: Epidemiology, etiology, conventional and nonconventional therapies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), Article 8155. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218155

8. Xu, Y., Huang, W., Zhang, C. Y. (2024). Navigating international competition with ESG: Insights from the US-China trade war. Research in International Business and Finance, 70(Part B), Article 102364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102364

9. Sha, F., Meng, J., Zheng, X., Jiang, Y. (2025). Sustainability under fire: How China-US tensions impact corporate ESG performance? Finance Research Letters, 85(Part A), Article 107882. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2025.107882

10. Bertacchini, F., Cimino, A., Fusto, C., Manfredi, K., Mirabelli, G., Solina, V. (2025). ICTs and smallholders: A systematic review of case studies and their impact on ESG outcomes. Procedia Computer Science, 253, 3276–3287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2025.02.052

11. Zolkin, A. L., Matvienko, E. V., Shmoilov, A. N., Rudnev, S. G., Urusova, A. B. (2024). Development of scientific potential and introduction of innovative solutions to ensure competitiveness and further development of the agro-industrial complex of Russia. E3S Web of conference, 486, Article 01001. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202448601001

12. Kolchin, S. P., Osyanin, D. N. (2024). Sustainable development of meat processing enterprises: A way to success in the future. Meat Industry, 9, 40–42. (In Russian)

13. Krasyukova, N. L. (2025). Using blockchain technology and big data to ensure the traceability and sustainability of agri-food supply chains. Agrarian Science, 6, 167–171. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2025-395-06-167-171

14. Chen, T., Yin, D., Li, X., Xu., X. (2025). Media attention, information asymmetry and agribusiness ESG rating divergence. Finance Research Letters, 74, Article 106721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2024.106721

15. Krasyukova, N. L. (2025). Integration of blockchain technologies into the management of agro-industrial holdings: Drivers of efficiency and sustainable development. Agrarian Science, 4, 177–179. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2025-393-04-177-179

16. Fu, Z., Zhang, C., Huang, Z., Jia, L., Sun, G., Wang, W. (2025). Advancing sustainable and innovative agriculture: An empirical study of farmers’ livelihood risks and the green transformation of food production. Journal of Innovation and Knowledge, 10(4), Article 100732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2025.100732

17. Tan, D., Adedoyin, F. F., Alvarado, R., Ramzan, M., Kayesh, S., Shah., M. I. (2022). The effects of environmental degradation on agriculture: Evidence from European countries. Gondwana Research, 106, 92–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2021.12.009

18. Nonvide, G. M. A., Ouinsou, C.-A., Degbedji, D. F. (2025). Agricultural risks and food security in Benin: Role of social protection policy. Development and Sustainability in Economics and Finance, 7, Article 100071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsef.2025.100071

19. Sharko, E. R., Sokolova, A. A. (2025). Factors of consumer trust in private label food products: A case of loyalty to Russian retailers. Journal of Applied Economic Research, 24(1), 344–378. https://doi.org/10.15826/vestnik.2025.24.1.012

20. Zhang, Y., Zhao, W. (2025). Examining agricultural firms’ risk-bearing capability via supply chain financing: Insights from China. International Review of Economics and Finance, 102, Article 104282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2025.104282

21. de Almeida, A. C. L., Bueno, C., Dale, A., Hay, R., Jarihani, B., Everingham, Y. et al. (2025). Integration of ESG standards in Australian sugarcane farming: A co-design approach to accelerate ESG adoption and innovation. Agricultural Systems, 229, Article 104438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104438

22. United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Sustainable Development. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda Accessed June 15, 2025

23. Maslova, V. V., Avdeev, M. V. (2025). About food prices in the consumer market. Economics, Labor, Management in Agriculture, 2, 27–37. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.33938/252-27

24. United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Sustainable Development. (2015). The 17 goals. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals Accessed June 15, 2025

25. Azam, A., Shafique, M., Rafiq, M., Ateeq, M. (2023). Moving toward sustainable agriculture: The nexus between clean energy, ICT, human capital and environmental degradation under SDG policies in European countries. Energy Strategy Reviews, 50, Article 101252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2023.101252 26.

26. Wang, J., Baolei, Q., Yan, L., Hossain, M. I., Tian, H. (2024). Does institutional commitment affect ESG performance of firms? Evidence from the United Nations principles for responsible investment. Energy Economics, 130, Article 107302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2024.107302

27. Nezhnikova, Е. (2024). ESG approaches in business as the formation of new thinking. Reliability: Theory and Applications, 19(S6(81), 998–1005. https://doi.org/10.24412/1932-2321-2024-681-998-1005

28. Vetrova, M. A., Pakhomova, N. V., Lvova, N. A., Lemeshko, N. A. (2025). Climate projects of Russian business: Justification methodology and framework conditions for successful implementation. St. Petersburg University Journal of Economic Studies, 41(1), 66–92. (In Russian)

29. Tsang, A., Wang, Y., Xiang, Y., Yu, L. (2024). The rise of ESG rating agencies and management of corporate ESG violations. Journal of Banking and Finance, 169, Article 107312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2024.107312

30. Hao, J., Sun, R., Gong, X., Zhu, X. R. (2025). ESG and stock price crash risk revisited: Evidence from mandatory ESG disclosure policy in China. Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, 91, Article 102729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pacfin.2025.102729

31. Han, S., Lu, H., Wu, H. (2024). ESG disclosure, investor awareness, and carbon risk pricing: Evidence from the Chinese market. International Review of Law and Economics, 80, Article 106217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irle.2024.106217

32. Tian, Y., Hou, A., Hu, C.-C., Chai, L. (2025). Policy-driven ESG mandates for immediate financial performance and long-term Innovation: Synergistic insights from Chinese enterprises. Journal of Cleaner Production, 520, 146142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.146142

33. Li, Y., Zeng, J. C., Jiang, S. (2025). Does environmental regulation complement ESG Disclosure? Evidence from the emergence of pollution emission permits regime in China. Economics Letters, 254, Article 112442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112442

34. Li, F., Liu, J., Liu, H. (2025). Institutions empowerment for sustainability: ESG performance and enterprise green innovation — Evidence from China. Journal of Environmental Management, 388, Article 125947. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125947

35. Briukhanov, A. Yu., Vasiliev, E. V., Bazykin, V. I., Shalavina, E. V. (2025). Estimation of concentrations of climate-active substances in emissions from processing of solid animal by-products. Agrarian Science, 5, 141–147. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2025-394-05-141-147

36. Romantseva, Yu. N., Bodur, A. M., Maslakova, V. V., Kagirova, M. V. (2024). Analysis of the dynamics and structure of greenhouse gas emissions in Russian agriculture. Agrarian Science, 2, 139– 145. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2024-379-2-139-145

37. Petrunina, I. V., Gorbunova, N. A. (2022). Systemic measures on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in animal husbandry enterprises. A review. Food Systems, 5(3), 202–211. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.21323/2618-9771-2022-5-3-202-211

38. Ma, S., Appolloni, A. (2025). Can financial flexibility enhance corporate green innovation performance? Evidence from an ESG approach in China. Journal of Environmental Management. 387, Article 125869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125869

39. Bolton, P., Kacperczyk, M. (2021). Do investors care about carbon risk? Journal of Financial Economics, 142(2), 517–549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfineco.2021.05.008

40. Lee, M. T., Raschke, R. L. (2023). Stakeholder legitimacy in firm greening and financial performance: What about greenwashing temptations? Journal of Business Research, 155(B), Article 113393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113393

41. Medina-Serrano, R., González-Ramírez, R., Gascó, J., Llopis J. (2021). How to evaluate supply chain risks, including sustainable aspects? A case study from the German industry. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 14(2), 120–134. https://doi.org/10.3926/jiem.3175

42. Sandberg, H., Alnoor, A., Tiberius, V. (2022). Environmental, social, and governance ratings and financial performance: Evidence from the European food industry. Business Strategy and the Environment, 32(4), 2471–2489. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3259

43. Boiral, O., Brotherton, M.-C., Talbot, D., Guillaumie, L. (2024). Assessing and managing environmental, social, and governance risks in agri-food companies. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 31(6), 5690– 5708. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2884

44. Drapinski, J., Ganzel, N., Maylen, R., Brousseau, Y. (2022). Overview of environmental, social, and government reporting in the food industry: Past, present, and future. A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of: Master of Science (School for Environment and Sustainability) at the University of Michigan. https://doi.org/10.7302/4359

45. Popescu, I.-S., Hitaj, C., Benetto, E. (2021). Measuring the sustainability of investment funds: A critical review of methods and frameworks in sustainable finance. Journal of Cleaner Production, 314, Article 128016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128016

46. Patterson, G. T., Thomas, L. F., Coyne, L. A., Rushton, J. (2020). Moving health to the heart of agri-food policies; mitigating risk from our food systems. Global Food Security, 26, Article 100424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100424

47. Barthelmie, R. J. (2022). Impact of dietary meat and animal products on GHG footprints: The UK and the US. Climate, 10(3), Article 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli10030043

48. Gorbunova, N.A. (2025). Assessment of the consumers’ attitude to the alternative meat. Review. Theory and Practice of Meat Processing, 10(1), 54–66. https://doi.org/10.21323/2414-438X 2025-10-1-54-66

49. Sokolov, F. S., Fomenko, A. K., Maev, I. V, Andreev, D. N., Dontsova, O. A., Sergiev, P. V. et al. (2025). Prospects for the use of meat vegetable origin substitutes. Russian Journal of Preventive Medicine, 28(2), 103–108. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.17116/profmed202528021103

50. Tarulli, A., Morrone, D., Conte, D., Bussoli, C., Russo, A. (2022). The relevance of non-financial disclosure in influencing the cost of capital: Empirical evidence from the agri-food sector. Business Strategy and the Environment, 32(4), 1739– 1751. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3215

51. Erhemjamts, O., Huang, K., Tehranian, H. (2024). Climate risk, ESG performance, and Sentiment in US commercial banks. Global Finance Journal, 59, Article 100924. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfj.2023.100924

52. Busco, C., Consolandi, C., Eccles, R. G., Sofra, E. (2020). A Preliminary Analysis of SASB Reporting: Disclosure topics, financial relevance, and the financial intensity of ESG materiality. Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, 32(2), 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1111/jacf.12411

53. Yusupova, L. A., Antipova, O. V. (2023). Sustainable selection of suppliers and contractors based on analytic hierarchy process. Russian Economic Bulletin, 6(5), 222–229. (In Russian)

54. Spanova, A., Nurgazezova, A., Rebezov, M., Nurymkhan, G., Assirzhanova, Z., Kazhibayeva G. et al. (2025). Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) application to the production of a new low-fat meat patty. Cogent Food and Agriculture, 11(1), Article 2546081. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2025.2546081

55. Rebezov, M., Khayrullin, M., Assenova, B., Farida, S., Baydan, D., Garipova, L. et al. (2024). Improving meat quality and safety: Innovative strategies. Potravinarstvo Slovak Journal of Food Sciences, 18, 523–546. https://doi.org/10.5219/1972

56. Atambayeva, Z., Nurgazezova, A., Rebezov, M., Kazhibayeva, G., Kassymov, S., Sviderskaya, D. et al. (2022) A risk and hazard analysis model for the production process of a new meat product blended with germinated green buckwheat and food safety awareness. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, Article 902760. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.902760

57. Rebezov, M., Chughtai, M. F. J., Mehmood, T., Khaliq, A., Tanweer, S., Semenova, A. et al. (2022). Novel techniques for microbiological safety in meat and fish industries. Applied Sciences, 12(1), Article 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010319

58. Andreev, R. E. (2021). Anti-crisis management of a sustainable enterprise. Russian Economic Bulletin, 4(2), 71–76. (In Russian)

59. Kuzlyakina, Yu. A., Zamula, V. S., Kuznetsova, O. A. (2023). Analysis of agriculture sustainable development in Russia. Theory and Practice of Meat Processing, 8(2), 93–99. https://doi.org/10.21323/2414-438X 2023-8-2-93-99

60. Oke, A., McKenzie, K., Osobajo, O., Lawani, A. (2023). Effects of millennials willingness to pay on buying behaviour at ethical and socially responsible restaurants: Serial mediation analysis. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 113, Article 103507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2023.103507

61. Yong, R. Y. M., Chua, B.-L., Fakfare, P., Han, H. (2024). Sustainability a`la carte: A systematic review of green restaurant research (2010–2023). Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, 41(4), 508–537. https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2023.2293014

62. Tiwari, S., Sharif, A., Sofuoglu, E., Nuta, F. (2025). A step toward the attainment of carbon neutrality and SDG 13: Role of financial depth and green technology innovation. Research in International Business and Finance, 73(A), Article 102631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102631

63. Zamula, V. S., Kuzlyakina, Yu. A., Kuznetsova. O. A., Biryukova. A. I. (2024). Waste management as an element of sustainable development of a meat processing enterprise. Vsyo o Myase, 2, 3–5. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.21323/2071-2499-2024-2-3-5