PLACE AND ROLE OF SUPPLY CHAINS IN THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the agricultural sector of Ukraine and to determine the importance of supply chains for industry efficiency increasing. As a result of the study, the main indicators of the agricultural sector functioning in Ukraine were analyzed. The obtained results make it possible to characterize the burning situation, as well as to develop appropriate proposals for its improvement in the future (taking into account marketing and logistical components). Almost 18% of the able-bodied population of Ukraine were employed in the agriculture sector in 2016. At the same time, the largest share of agricultural enterprises is located in three regions of Ukraine – Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv. It is determined that in 2007-2016 there is a steady increase in agricultural production. It is enough to meet the internal needs of the population and export needs. It is proved that the basis of Ukrainian exports is primary agricultural products (wheat, corn, soybeans). Despite the gradual increase in food exports (by 16% from 2010 to 2016), the share of value-added goods in exports remains low. It indicates Ukraine's specialization as a supplier of raw materials on the world market. Besides, it is found that the share of imports for agriculture needs remains high. Mainly mineral fertilizers, agricultural machines, petroleum products are imported. The reason is that the need for these things is not fully met by domestic producers. Accordingly, it is determined that all the above requires the formation of internal supply chains of agricultural enterprises (they allow to establish relations between structural units) as well as external supply chains (they allow to establish partnerships with counterparties in Ukraine and abroad). It is established that in the supply chains’ formation it is necessary to take into account the main problems of the agricultural sector, in particular, the involvement of new producers of agricultural products in export activities; increasing the share of value-added products in exports; coverage of new markets in foreign countries. The solution to these problems is crucial for the country too. Keywords: agriculture, import, export, supply chain, industry.