Russia's New Agricultural Operators: Their Emergence, Growth and Impact

Data from case studies, interviews, and surveys are used to explore the emergence, growth, and likely consequences of new agricultural operators (NAOs) in Russia. NAOs or agroholdings are very large farming operations averaging more than 50,000 ha, which are externally owned and managed. Entry motives and patterns vary widely, but most NAOs are responding to real profit opportunities. They bring with them the means to overcome market and institutional imperfections, as well as limitations in human and physical capital. However, there is a real risk they may lead to the creation of Russian latifundia to the possible detriment of the rural population.