SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES IN AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS: CLASSIFICATION AND WAYS TO OVERCOME THEM

Abstract

The agricultural business of Ukraine faces numerous systemic challenges that require complex and multifaceted solutions. It was determined that systemic challenges negatively affect the stability and development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine, leading to a decrease in the profitability of the agricultural business, loss of competitiveness in world markets, and deterioration of the country's food security. The article proposes a classification of the systemic challenges of the agricultural business of Ukraine according to the following categories: economic (volatility of prices for agricultural products; rising prices for resources; lack of skilled labor; access to credit and financing), environmental (climate change; land degradation; environmental pollution; decrease in biodiversity), social (increasing inequality; migration from rural areas; lack of access to education and health care; changing food habits), political (instability of the political situation; imperfect legislation; corruption; trade barriers) and technological (introduction of new technologies; lack of digital literacy; cyber security). It was also determined that global, national, and local systemic challenges pose a significant threat to the stability and development of agricultural businesses in Ukraine. Classification of systemic challenges in agricultural business requires a complex and systematic approach to their solution. Meeting these challenges requires a coordinated effort by government, the private sector, and academia. Establishing a constructive and productive dialogue between government and business structures in the field of agribusiness development will ensure a joint solution to business development issues. Ways to overcome systemic challenges are proposed, in particular: implement land reform, modernize agricultural infrastructure, improve the investment climate, strengthen state support for the agricultural sector, introduce the latest technologies and equipment, use resources more economically, diversify sales markets, adapt production to climate change and consumer preferences.