This article analyzes the problems of food security in Russia in the context of intensifying international competition and changes in its forms and methods. Aim. This study aims to assess the competitive potential of the Russian agrifood complex, including its usage efficiency, for the purpose of ensuring food security across the country. Tasks. This study identifies internal and external conditions and factors that affect competitive advantage formation of the Russian agrifood complex, substantiates strategic directions in the competitive development and growth of the industries that comprise the agrifood complex for the purpose of ensuring food security across the country, and examines the implementation of the import substitution strategy in the food market as a mechanism for improving the overall competitiveness of the agrifood industry. Results. Integration of the Russian agrifood complex in the global economic system enhances the influence of external factors on its development. These factors necessitate a new model of economic growth as well as structural and institutional reforms. Based on the identified competitiveness factors, the author analyzes the competitive potential of the Russian agrifood complex, determining and systematizing priority directions for import substitution. The potential for import substitution in the Russian market and opportunities for exportoriented production are substantiated. Scenario-based predictions for the development of the meat and milk sub-complexes of the agrifood complex are provided, aiming to ensure food security across the country. A difference in import substitution opportunities across the industries comprising the agrifood complex due to their unequal competitive potential and possible effects of this process are revealed.