On the return of unused land into circulation

Abstract. The purpose of the study was to determine the regional characteristics and tasks for the return to circulation of unused agricultural land in the conditions of the North-West. The research was based on a generalization of the provisions of the theory of institutionalism on the role of the institution of property and rent relations in the use of the potential of land resources. Methods of economic and statistical analysis of territorial problems of land relations were applied in the Russian Federation as a whole and in the context of the regions of the Northwestern Federal District (NWFD). The scientific novelty lies in determining the vector of dynamics of land use area change in the agricultural sector of the Northwestern Federal District and assessing the prospects for the return to circulation of previously retired agricultural lands. Results. It is shown that in the North-West, against the background of other federal districts, remain the higher rates of reduction in crops, the areas of which in six of the nine regions of the NWFD in 2021 amounted to only 28.6–49.9 % of their level in 2000, including in three subjects of the Federation – less than 40 %. The interregional dynamics and changes in the share of the area of unused arable land, in general, agricultural land are analyzed, a conclusion is made about the insignificance of the volume of land put into circulation and the reasons for the current situation. With regard to specific conditions, there are considered possible effective measures to use the land potential of rural areas of all regions included in the Northwestern Federal District, which will significantly increase their contribution to the country's food balance. The conclusion is made about the need to increase budget support for agricultural producers and more active participation of the state in the regulation of land relations.