Changes in the Agricultural Labor Market in the Context of its Digitalization

Introduction. To improve the efficiency of agriculture and ensure food security of the country, it is necessary to introduce innovative mechanisms. However, labor remains the main factor in agriculture, as in any other industry. The article discusses the importance and the role of labor resources in agricultural production in the context of digitalization of the industry. The purpose of the work is to analyze changes in the agricultural labor market and determine the role of workers’ education in the conditions of digitalization of the industry. Methods. In preparing the research results for publication, the following methods were used: scientific abstraction, content analysis, systems analysis, analytical and synthetic method, comparative analysis, as well as the study and generalization of documentary sources and scientific publications. Research results. One of the best options for solving the problem of increasing the efficiency of the agricultural sector is the development and implementation of a large number of measures to introduce digital technologies into the industry, since they play an important role in solving the task of increasing the volume of agricultural output. However, the process of digital transformation of the industry requires its employees to master new competencies. In this regard, experts emphasize the importance of both specialized training and basic technical education necessary for learning new tools successfully. It has been found that in order to effectively resolve personnel issues in the agro-industrial complex, strategic management is required based on the following theoretical, methodological, institutional and legal principles: partnerships between representatives of regional government bodies, social infrastructure of rural areas, the scientific community, educational institutions and the business sector of the agro-industrial complex; contractual forms of cooperation between branches of government, business and scientific and educational structures along with the indicative nature of the established goals and innovative methods for implementing the human capital development strategy. Conclusion. The agrarian policy of the Russian Federation provides for an increase in the level of professional qualities of rural producers, which, first of all, affects the labor market of the agricultural sector. In line with the designated trends, the Strategy for the Development of Agricultural Education in the Russian Federation until 2030 declares the need to change and improve the agricultural education system, which will help improve the efficiency of the labor potential of agriculture. The leaders of the agricultural sector of Russia believe that such modernization will foster the improvement of rural workers’ professionalism in the context of digitalization of the industry, which, in turn, will contribute to strengthening food security, as well as increasing Russia's competitiveness in international food markets.