Current state and trends of developing agricultural land use in Ukraine

Abstract

Agricultural use is one of the largest and traditionally developed branches of the economy of Ukraine, which uses agricultural land to obtain an economic result. Agricultural segment of economic activity provides not only domestic needs with high-quality, affordable food, but also plays a decisive role in solving the global food problem, exporting the lion’s share of agricultural products to the countries of the world. It ensures not only the profitability of the industry, but also fulfills a humanitarian function in the world economy, counteracting the trends of food shortages and the threat of famine. It is land resources of high quality that are the traditional support for the country’s development and position itself on the world market, and must be used with due efficiency, ensuring the stability of agricultural production. The article analyzes the current state and main trends in the use of agricultural land. Most of the territory of Ukraine is occupied by agricultural lands, according to the State Geocadastre data, they make up 49% of all lands of Ukraine. The majority of agricultural land is arable land — 79% of the total amount of agricultural land, it is these lands that play a significant role in the economy of Ukraine, as they are the food base for the production of agricultural products. The degree of land degradation is the highest in Europe and the world, which encourages the search for new ways of developing the agricultural sector and increasing the intensity and efficiency of land resource use. With the implementation of measures to protect and preserve the quality of land, greening and implementation of organic agricultural production, which is a qualitative step in the development of the agricultural industry. The results of the study indicate positive changes in the use of agricultural land, the production of agricultural products, the development of lease relationships and the social sphere. The analysis of the development of agricultural enterprises and farms showed a tendency towards consolidation of land use areas and monopolization of production by agricultural holding companies. The authors researched the trends in the development of agricultural land use, and determined its main features.