Importance Organic farming principles provide new opportunities for sustainable development of rural areas in the country. It stems from a unique combination of unsophisticated economic methods, relatively liberal situation in the land market, notwithstanding the effective invalidity of the land legislation, considerable, though scarcely involved, human, scientific and technological capabilities. Objectives The research identifies and substantiates the role of organic agriculture in the development of rural areas so to increase their sustainability. I also determine the premises for its development, and evaluate what role the State plays in the process. Methods The research involves a systems analysis to identify and substantiate priority mechanisms of the governmental involvement. Theoretical sources were systematized and statistical data on rural development were processed using special-purpose methods. Results The article indicates it is necessary to devise measures for the government to influence the development of organic farming in terms of production, regulation, exchange and consumption. The measures and their efficacy will determine further development of Russia's rural areas, competitiveness of national goods in the global market, solution of food security issues, and enforcement of the public right for adequate food resources. Conclusions and Relevance I substantiated my conclusions as to that the State should provide comprehensive support to organic farming, thus ensuring sustainable development of rural areas. The article proves that organic agriculture can become a new niche and lever for Russia, being the cornerstone of sustainable development in rural areas, and the only possible development path, rather than just another option.
Keywords: rural area, development, organic farming, State aid, food security
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