The digital transformation of the Russian economy has characteristics common to the entire economy, as well particular characteristics specific only to separate industries. In this sense, the digital transformation of the agricultural industry of the Russian Federation has specific characteristics that have been formed only in the Russian industry in a certain period of time. The digital transformation of the agricultural industry began in Russia much later than in developed economies from weak «starting» positions. However, within a few years Russia became one of the twenty leading countries in the digital transformation of the agricultural industry. Fast pace of digitalisation of agriculture is due to Russian specificity, which is examined in the present article. The «sanctions war» between Russia and Western countries, which began in 2014, is the main reason for high potential development and digitalisation of the Russian agricultural industry. In response to sanctions from the US and EU countries, the Russian Federation imposed an embargo on food supplies from these countries, which led to the very rapid economic growth of the agricultural industry. Another reason of the successful digital transformation of the Russian agricultural industry is the balanced agricultural policy including competent financing of the declared programmes. The third important characteristic of successful digitalisation of the industry is the adoption and implementation of the Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation.