Current state and prospects of organic production development in Ukraine: looking to the future

Abstract

The article substantiates the importance of the production of organic agricultural products as a component of a healthy lifestyle, as well as ensuring the preservation and restoration of the environment. The authors reveal the ecological, economic and social benefits of organic production, in particular, preservation of the nation’s natural and health; reproduction of soil fertility; increased competitiveness of domestic producers on internal and foreign markets; improving the welfare of the rural population, etc. It is stated that organic production includes the conscious use of soil as an ecosystem; application of production methods and preventive protection of crops. It is established that presently the interest of consumers in the consumption of environmentally friendly foods, whose production has no negative impact on the environment, is currently growing. The study of the global organic market shows an active growth in both the number of organic producers and the output of organic products. The market of organic products in Ukraine is at an early stage of development, but there is a steady trend towards increased number of organic producers, expanded range of certified products, and increased exports of organic foodstuffs. The authors analyze a number of factors hindering the development of organic production in Ukraine, in particular, the lack of public awareness of the properties of organic foods and their difference from conventional ones; shortage of qualified specialists in producing organic foods; insufficient solution of logistical problems; low purchasing power of the population, etc. The key changes in EU legislation on organic production are considered, one of the important innovations being the possibility of using "group certification", which allows small farmers to unite, produce and jointly pass the certification of organic products. Emphasis is placed on the prospects of this model for Ukrainian producers. The study shows the possibility of using organic foods in schools based on the example of the positive experience of EU countries – for the growing a healthy, conscious and responsible generation that will take care of the future of the state.