ORGANIC PRODUCTION IN THE SYSTEM OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

Abstract

Climate problems, the state of the environment, the Covid-19 crisis are the main problems of today that directly affect agricultural production and as a consequence the sustainable development of rural areas. The article analyzes the factors of reorientation of agricultural production to organic production. Emphasis is placed on preserving local agricultural traditions and scientifically sound approaches to organic production to ensure sustainable development of rural areas. Using Forsight research, the relationship between balanced rural development and organic production is predicted. The basic strategies of competition have been identified with the help of the five Porter forces, in order to develop a strategy for successful entry into organic markets and maintaining supply chains during the Covid-19 period. Emphasis is placed on high requirements for agricultural products and compliance with environmental standards in their production, which may be an obstacle to further exports of Ukrainian organic products to the EU market. The relationship between the dynamics of organic production and a set of measures and determinants that determine the natural resources and production and technical conditions of rural development is substantiated using the SMART-method. It is argued that organic production is a resource basis for the development of strategies to increase the production of agricultural products, finished food products and sustainable development of rural areas. The importance of organic production during the COVID-19 crisis is outlined. It is proved that there is practically no alternative to the development of agriculture under the organic scenario in the system of sustainable development of rural areas in the long run.