CONDUCTING AND RESTORING AGRIBUSINESS IN THE FRONTLINE TERRITORIES OF UKRAINE IN WAR CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to analyzing agribusiness operations in Ukraine during the war, which requires rapid adaptation to new challenges. Agriculture remains a strategically important sector that ensures the country’s food security even in crisis conditions. The government has implemented various support measures for farmers, including tax holidays, simplified registration of agrochemicals, and preferential lending. The war has caused infrastructure destruction, reduced sowing areas, and labor shortages due to mobilization. Logistics difficulties, rising resource prices, and currency instability complicate the activities of agricultural enterprises. Significant losses have been suffered, especially in border regions such as the Sumy region. In some cases, farmers are unable to access their fields due to ongoing shelling or mined territories. Storage facilities and equipment have also been damaged or looted, which creates further obstacles to normal operations. International support, including from the FAO, helps develop dairy farming, beekeeping, and aquaculture. Local authorities and NGOs contribute by providing technical assistance, seeds, and veterinary supplies. The use of agrodrones and digital technologies contributes to maintaining production efficiency and optimizing the use of limited resources, although their application is limited in frontline zones due to safety concerns. Farmers demonstrate resilience by adopting new business models and rebuilding value chains disrupted by the conflict. A SWOT analysis reflects both the strengths of the agricultural sector such as fertile soil, accumulated expertise, and international backing and numerous threats and weaknesses, including security risks, unstable financing, and infrastructure degradation. Despite these difficulties, Ukrainian farmers are gradually adapting and continuing their work. Their efforts play a crucial role in supporting the national economy and ensuring domestic and international food security.