The grain market as a system-forming link of Ukraine's agri-food market

Abstract

Introduction. In Ukraine, the grain industry has traditionally been a strategic and, at the same time, a multifunctional and system-forming sector of the country's economy and agricultural sector. It either stimulates or restrains the development of other related sectors, product, and raw material markets. The level of development of the grain industry reflects the reliability of grain and forage supply, economic and socio-political stability in the country, its food security, and serves as an indicator of the state's economic well-being and its prestige in the world. Method (Methodology). The research methodology includes a system of statistical-economic methods combined with theoretical aspects of grain market formation and its operational challenges in the context of a new economic system. The study utilized the following methods: comparative analysis – for comparing data and identifying changes in market indicators over time and space; abstract-logical – for formulating assumptions, hypotheses, conclusions, and generalizations; analysis and synthesis – to evaluate the research object’s condition and substantiate proposals for its improvement and ensuring further full-fledged development. Results. It has been proven that ensuring the effective development of Ukraine's grain market and strengthening its positions in the global market is possible through expanding production scales, optimizing the structure of grain production, improving grain quality and its processed products, effective land use, and fostering innovative development, which enhances the competitiveness of domestic grain and its processed products. The domestic grain market is currently in its formation stage and significantly lags in economic characteristics compared to grain markets in countries with developed market economies.