Author: Irina G. Kushnareva

Abstract. The article deals with information and consulting activity in the system of agricultural consulting that contributes to the development of agro­industrial complex, expands domestic production of agricultural goods and local foodstuffs, offers a widespread information and advisory support for agricultural producers, small entities and processors, and helps put innovative Russian and foreign projects into food production. The results of the analysis show that the development of information and consulting services in the system of food supply, on the one hand, can make the use of agro­industrial resources more efficient and enhance the production volumes of home­grown products including the agricultural territories of the Republic of Buryatia. On the other hand, it will improve the competitiveness of the region; facilitate resolution of the problems in technical and technological, socio­economic and spacial development of the region; increase incomes of the population; promote the efficiency of consulting service; accelerate introduction of innovative technologies and scientific achievements into agro­industrial production; boost the efficiency and functional sustainability of agriculture businesses, sole traders, farmer and private households; elevate educational and cultural level of the population; raise the quality of foodstuffs and food safety.

Keywords: Information and consulting services market, agro-industrial complex, agricultural consulting, food supply, food security, import substitution, economic sanctions