INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OFAGRICULTURAL PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS OF UKRAINIAN PROVINCES OFTHE RUSSIAN EMPIRE (EARLY 20TH CENTURY)

The purpose of the article is to study the international cooperation of agricultural societies and its impact on the modernization of Ukrainian provinces. The author used comparative, chronological, problem and analytical research methods. On the basis of archival documents and the press of that time the author described and systematized new materials about the international activity of agricultural societies of the Ukrainian provinces. The author proves that it took various forms and contributed to the borrowing of useful foreign experience. It was found that international activities had developed from personal ties to mutual cooperation. The public’s tasks include holding numerous events. The author reconstructs the process of participation of members of agricultural organizations in various international events, including exhibitions. It was emphasized that these contacts were of mutual interest. They provided an opportunity for members of voluntary associations to learn from foreign experience. It is important that the experience was taken consciously. Considerable attention is paid to the initiatives of individuals – members of agricultural societies. The trips contributed to positive changes in society and the modernization of the region in general. The article examines the issue of conducting tours, practices for local landowners abroad by agricultural associations. The expediency of such forms of cooperation was realized by members of agricultural societies. The public understood the need for change. We drew attention to a wide range of countries with which representatives of agricultural societies cooperated. The public of the Ukrainian provinces was interested in foreign governmental and public institutions in the field of agriculture. There was a search for new forms of work, among which is the creation of the socalled American agency. Foreign relations of Volyn hop growers should be called indicative. The joint work of representatives of the Volyn Hop Society was carried out together with government experts, foreign partners, including Ukrainian cooperatives in London. The initiative of agrarian public organizations received government assistance, and export chambers were established. Agricultural societies became their active participants and co-founders. It is concluded that the adoption of foreign experience and contacts with foreign organizations and professionals have contributed to qualitative changes in society.