PRIORITY DIRECTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP POTENTIAL IN UKRAINE

Abstract

In the scientific article, the theoretical and practical principles for developing the potential of agricultural entrepreneurship in Ukraine have been comprehensively investigated in the context of global challenges and the consequences of the full-scale military invasion. The relevance of the research is determined by the strategic importance of the agricultural sector in ensuring national food security and forming the state's export potential. It has been identified that despite a significant resource base, the current state of the industry is characterized by systemic structural imbalances, raw material orientation of exports, and a reduction in the number of active business entities. An analysis of the dynamics of agricultural enterprises' functioning during the period of 2020–2024 has been conducted, which allowed for the identification of key stages from stability to adaptation under martial law. It has been established that the sector is dominated by micro and small enterprises (97%), indicating high fragmentation and the necessity for specific institutional support. During the study, focus was placed on identifying factors that inhibit the realization of the industry's potential: from logistical blockages and infrastructure destruction to limited investment resources and land degradation caused by military operations. As a main scientific result, eight priority strategic directions for the development of the potential of agricultural entrepreneurship have been substantiated. Particular attention has been paid to the transformation of logistics through the development of the Danube cluster, the transition to deep processing with high added value, and the large-scale implementation of AgTech innovations. The necessity of stimulating organic production and niche crops has been emphasized as a tool for diversification and increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian products. It has been proven that the integration of digital tools for monitoring land resources and the implementation of soil restoration programs are fundamental conditions for sustainable development. The proposed measures are aimed at creating a flexible, innovation-oriented model of agricultural business capable of ensuring long-term economic growth and increasing the efficiency of using the natural-resource and human capital of rural areas.