This article discusses the issue of sustainable development of the Russian Federation agro-industrial complex. Special attention is paid to scientific and technical progress as a fundamental factor in the successful development of rural areas at the present stage. The main state programs and projects in this area are considered in detail, key indicators describing the agroindustrial complex for the current period are given. In conclusion, the necessity of introducing the latest technologies of Industry 4.0 in the agro-industrial complex is justified and the corresponding conclusions from the results of the conducted research are made.