Agri-food Enterprises Research Articles

Constraints to Green and Digital Transition in the Greek Agri-Food Sector

The European Union's Green Deal and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda are key strategic frameworks that aim to transform all nations towards a climate-neutral continent. At the heart of achieving this ambitious goal is the need for greater policy coherence, particularly concerning the digital Green Deal. The adoption of digital technologies in green sustainability initiatives requires a comprehensive update of existing policies to properly exploit all the opportunities offered by digitalisation. This study focuses on identifying constraints to environmental and digital advancement in the agri-food sector. In particular, it examines existing policies and those that need to be implemented to facilitate the green and digital transition of agri-food enterprises. The research methodology comprises in-depth, semi-structured interviews with fifteen (15) policymakers at the national, regional, and local levels in Greece, all of whom are responsible for decision-making in the agri-food sector. The findings underline the need for a substantial reform of the current institutional framework to make it more favourable to agri-food enterprises, especially for very small enteprises and SMEs, for whom the barriers are even greater. Improving access to financial support is also highlighted as a critical need. To ensure a smooth twin transition towards environmental sustainability and digitalisation, the study advocates improving the educational background and promoting digital literacy among stakeholders. These measures are considered necessary to increase the competitiveness of agri-food enterprises in today's global landscape. The study essentially highlights the central role of a strong policy framework for the environmental and digital transition of the agri-food sector. By addressing the barriers identified in the study through the implementation of appropriate policies, agri-food entrepreneurs can adopt sustainable practices and harness the transformative potential of digital technologies.

Perceived business risks and observed impacts of the Russian-Ukraine war among small- and medium-sized agri-food value chain enterprises in Egypt

We examine the perceived business risks and impacts on performance associated with the Russian aggression in Ukraine in February 2022 among 450 Egyptian small and medium-sized agrifood enterprises. Our analysis identifies six distinct clusters of enterprises based on their perceived risks and three clusters based on the observed impacts of the war. We find a strong association between perceived business risks and observed impacts, suggesting that the risks identified by agrifood SMEs significantly influence their actual business performance. This underscores the importance of understanding and effectively managing perceived risks to mitigate the negative impacts of external shocks, enhance operational resilience, and improve overall performance. Moreover, the results indicate that the consequences of the war extend beyond direct effects on agrifood enterprises, affecting various stages of the agrifood chain. This implies that, in times of crisis, the absence of a well-functioning agrifood SME sector may threaten the sustainability of the entire agrifood value chain. These insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences of agrifood SMEs during the early stages of the war, helping policymakers and enterprises prioritize risk management strategies and allocate resources effectively to enhance performance and competitiveness in times of crisis.

Determinants of Agri-food Investment from Fund Managers' Viewpoint

A more welcoming investment environment for the agri-food sector is envisioned as a result of the 2020 Venture Investment Promotion Act and the subsequently revised Act on Creation and Operation of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Food Investment Funds in South Korea. This study seeks to identify strategies to encourage venture investment for agri-food entrepreneurs by relying on these new legal environments. This study uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process to assess factors that facilitate investing based on a survey of fund managers and investment analysts who have invested in agri-food products. The findings indicate that the readiness of agri-food enterprises to adopt corporate-like management practices and their willingness to pursue commercialization are the primary determinants of investment facilitation. Deregulated investment environments and enhanced investor incentive systems rank as the second and third most significant determinants. The results offer insights into strategic policy initiatives aimed at increasing investment for startups, young entrepreneurs and venture farmers.

Impacts of the National Nutrition Plan 2017–2030 on Listed Agrifood Enterprises: A Financial Statement Perspective

The Chinese government promulgated the National Nutrition Plan 2017–2030 to provide scientific guidance for agrifood consumption and enhance nutrition intake. We categorized the sample into pre-2018 and post-2018 periods. By evaluating the effects of the National Nutrition Plan 2017–2030 through economic theory and a translog revenue function model based on financial statement data from 2015 to 2022, our findings indicate that the National Nutrition Plan 2017–2030 has increased the overall agrifood sales of listed agrifood enterprises, but the increase in agrifood sales produced by large listed agrifood enterprises has been slight. Finally, we offer policy recommendations for regulatory authorities and develop strategies for agrifood firms to encourage local food procurement. This study also contributes to our understanding of China’s agrifood industry dynamics and underscores the significance of the National Nutrition Plan 2017–2030 in enhancing nutritional intake and fostering sustainable growth in China’s agriculture industry.

The empirical study on the results of the certification of enterprises from the Republic of Moldova in the ISO 22000 and ISO 22005 systems

The European Union's food safety policy aims to protect consumers' health by ensuring compliance with production and control rules, hygiene of agri-food products and preventing their contamination with harmful substances. In its first stage, this objective can be applied in the Republic of Moldova, an EU candidate country, by implementing the ISO 22000 and ISO 22005 food safety management system, which establishes the basic requirements for the design and application of a traceability system for food and agri-food products. The study focused on identifying food and agri-food enterprises in the Republic of Moldova, which are certified by the ISO 22000 and ISO 22005 international standards. The advantages of these certifications and the barriers encountered were identified as well. In order to achieve this objective, there was carried out the survey according to the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) method, based on the completion of an online questionnaire created with the help of Google Drive.

Current directions of inclusive development of small and medium-sized enterprises of Ukraine in the agricultural industry

The article is devoted to studying the critical role played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in forming the system of inclusive development of the agro-food industry in Ukraine. The urgency of this issue becomes evident in the conditions of a full-scale war and the need for post-war reconstruction. To achieve this goal, the work uses various research methods, including survey-analytical, abstract-logical generalization, graphic method, system analysis, and synthesis. In this work, the institutional prerequisites of the concept of inclusive development were determined, strategies in this direction were outlined, and scientific approaches to interpreting the term "inclusive development" were generalized. We offer a conceptual model of the inclusive development of SMEs in Ukraine and have identified the role of SMEs in forming an inclusive environment of the agro-food sector. The development of SMEs in the agri-food industry should be based on inclusiveness, which involves including different groups of society, ensuring equal opportunities, and supporting participation in entrepreneurship. The agri-food sector requires the ability of SMEs to develop sustainably and innovate. Inclusive development should focus on creating conditions for innovative growth, which will contribute to the competitiveness of enterprises. It is essential to emphasize the role of SMEs in fulfilling the social mission, mainly promoting the preservation and development of regional communities, and ensuring quality products and employment. Effective inclusive development involves establishing partnerships between SMEs, the public sector, and government institutions and ensuring access to financial, technological, and educational resources. The inclusive development of SMEs in the agri-food sector must consider gender aspects, promoting equal access of women and men to entrepreneurial activities. The article also analyzes the existing and prospective state support mechanisms for SMEs in wartime. We consider how SMEs can influence the country's post-war reconstruction in the context of the agri-food industry. Our further research will be aimed at substantiating the main directions of SME development in the conditions of an inclusive economy, improving the toolkit for assessing the inclusive development of SMEs and substantiating the model of inclusive development of SMEs in the agri-food industry. Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises, inclusive development, inclusion, concept of inclusive development, model of inclusive development, agri-food industry, agri-food enterprises

Financial instruments and access to credit for the development of agricultural and agri-food enterprises # Ecological and digital transition

Financial instruments and access to credit for the development of agricultural and agri-food enterprises # Ecological and digital transition

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceived risks, management strategies and emerging opportunities for small and medium agri-food enterprises in a developing country

The Covid-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to small- and medium-sized agrifood enterprises (SMAEs) in developing countries. However, research investigating what risks Covid-19 posed to these firms, how they responded, and what business opportunities emerged to SMAEs from the pandemic remains scanty. Drawing on a sample of 166 specialist SMAEs in Egypt, this study addressed these entwined questions by using multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) and mediation analysis. Our results point out that the Covid-19 pandemic exposed Egyptian SMAEs to complex and multidimensional risks, and caused profound effects on both upstream and downstream stages of their supply chains. In general, Egyptian SMAEs adopted a ‘wait-and-see’ approach to cope with such Covid-19 risks and impacts, which was attributed to their lack of sufficient financial resources to develop risk management strategies and formalize structures to deal with unexpected events. Interestingly, the results showed that several business opportunities emerged from pandemic; but SMAEs' resource disadvantages constrained their capacity to seize and exploit these opportunities. Moreover, we found that mitigation strategies adopted by SMAEs present a mediating factor between perceived Covid-19 risks and perceived business opportunities. Overall, our findings call for a paradigm shift in relation to enterprise risk management in developing countries' SMAEs toward more holistic frameworks to enhance their preparedness to future shocks, make mature operational and strategic management decisions, and exploit strategic opportunities.

Aligning Agri-food Business with Sustainable Development and Quality of Life in Rural Areas: Stakeholders' Perspectives from Greece

The present study examined how the agri-food enterprises in Greece affect the socio-economic life of rural areas and contribute to ensuring food security. It sought the extent of their contribution to the revitalization of the local community and residents’ quality of life. Furthermore, it focused on the policy measures needed to ensure that their operation protects the environment and reduces their environmental footprint. Additionally, this research explored agri-food enterprises’ impact in addressing the problems of rural societies in the context of their social responsibility. Qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with twelve central government and local self-administrative executives who formulate policies that shape or influence the agri-food sector and agri-food enterprises The study revealed that agri-food businesses play a major role in the rural economy. At the same time, they are a key factor in linking sustainable development to the well-being of citizens. It was also highlighted that agri-food enterprises in Greece continue to leave a large negative environmental footprint and therefore a change in the framework of existing policies is needed to make the latter effective. In this regard, measures are needed to support agri-food enterprises with certain financial instruments in order to enhance the reduction of their environmental footprint. Finally, the research indicated the need for further strengthening of agri-food enterprises' social responsibility toward rural residents. The contribution of this research has both theoretical and empirical value. It responds to the recent calls for greater investigation of agri-food enterprises and their contributions to sustainable development and rural residents’ quality of life as well. In this respect, the present primary study adds evidence to the international literature regarding the role of agri-food enterprises in the socio-economic life of rural areas by shedding light on various aspects while the findings can be used by the institutions (European, state, and local authorities) that are responsible for policy-making in the agri-food sector and agri-food enterprises respectively. Moreover, the findings can also be a valuable tool for the business world of agri-food entrepreneurship.

Implementation of ESG principles in the functionning of agri-food enterprises in the context of ensuring capitalization strategy

This research aims to analyze the features of the application of ESG principles in the functioning of agri-food enterprises in the context of ensuring the capitalization strategy and determining further prospects. The research used the following methods: abstract-logical and synthesis, graphing; monographic, and generalization. It was found that the capitalization of business entities is the indicator that shows the efficiency of their use of resources and points to prospects and opportunities for development. Accordingly, an increase in the enterprise's capitalization arouses the interest of investors and, thereby, expands its financial prospects. In addition, the increase in the value of the enterprise will contribute to the growth of equity capital. The strategy of managing the market capitalization of agri-food enterprises needs implementation and ensuring the concept of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. It has been studied that the increased demand for ESG forces organizations to consider the principles of sustainable development. Attention is focused on the main reasons for the increased demand for ESG for business entities in modern conditions. In particular, the transition to ESG principles and adherence to them in agri-food enterprises ensures the satisfaction of the interests of all stakeholders. The image and business reputation of the enterprise becomes an intangible asset that brings additional benefits, including financial ones. As a tool for increasing the market capitalization of an agri-food enterprise, ESG investments should be aimed at effective reputation management and receiving benefits from creating a high-quality corporate image and business reputation. The agri-food sphere was one of the first to feel the consequences of martial law in Ukraine. The war forced agrarians to become food security guards. It was found that the full-scale war in Ukraine forced domestic business entities to reorient their sustainable development programs. If earlier agricultural formations were invested in projects of reduction of emissions into the environment, waste management, implementation of ESG principles in strategies of managing market capitalization, and sustainable development of the enterprise as a whole, now most of the funds are directed to support the military, various humanitarian programs, as well as programs for finding alternative fuel and energy resources, ways to save electricity and implement alternative sources of energy, etc. In addition, several initiatives are aimed at rebuilding the stricken regions, considering "green" standards. The preservation of the European vector of Ukraine's development and the prospect of a joint open market, which requires investments in developing relevant business processes and standards from domestic business entities in the agri-food sphere, was confirmed. The nature of future investments in the country's reconstruction will consider ESG components, forcing agricultural formations to adjust and adapt products (services) and processes to new requirements. Keywords: management, enterprise, agri-food sphere, ESG principles, strategy, market capitalization, sustainable development.

Making management decisions in the social and economic system of development of innovation-investment and personnel potential of agri-food enterprises in conditions of digitalization

The organization of management decision-making in the system of socio-economic development of innovation-investment and personnel potential of agri-food enterprises is significantly updated in the conditions of digitalization. The purpose of the study was to study management decision-making in the system of social and economic development of innovation-investment and personnel potential of agro-food enterprises in the conditions of digitalization. Modern aspects of the formation of innovation-investment and personnel potential of agro-food enterprises in the conditions of digitalization are analyzed. Innovation and investment policy is recognized as a catalyst for effective transformations in the agri-food sector. The innovation-investment and personnel potential of integration structures as a system of innovation-investment factors that create opportunities for a synergistic effect have been studied. The procedure and criteria for making managerial decisions in the design of socio-economic development of innovation-investment and personnel potential of agri-food enterprises in the conditions of digitalization, provided that a particular scale of production is observed, are analyzed. Proposals regarding the formation of an innovation-investment program for the development of enterprises in the agro-food sector were provided. The key factors affecting the process of innovation and investment ensuring the sustainability of the development of agri-food enterprises in the conditions of digitalization are determined. It has been proven that increasing the effectiveness of the formation and implementation of innovative investment and personnel potentials of enterprises in the agro-food sector can be achieved thanks to the creation of prerequisites for the rapid and effective introduction of technical innovations in all spheres of activity, the preservation and development of scientific and technical potential, the result of the necessary material conditions for the conservation of highly qualified scientific personnel of the innovative sphere. Keywords: management decision-making, system, social and economic development, innovation and investment potential, personnel potential, agro-food enterprises, digitalization.

Modeling of anti-crisis development of agro-food enterprises in the system of innovation and investment management

The organization of modeling the anti-crisis development of agro-food enterprises in the system of innovation and investment management was significantly updated during the war. The study aimed to study the modeling of anti-crisis development of agro-food enterprises in the design of creation and investment management. It has been proven that the anti-crisis management system in organizing the practical work of personnel creates conditions that determine the exceptional priority of the development of professionalism and qualifications of personnel at all levels of agro-food enterprises in the innovation and investment management system. The task of anti-crisis management is to maximally facilitate programs of professional development of personnel based on the proposed model since these measures relate to the development of social capital without disrupting the economic mechanisms of economic regulation. A single agri-food information system will replace paper document flow with an electronic one and automate work processes at agro-food enterprises. In this way, a single information space will be created. When all agro-food enterprises are combined into a single information system, remote control is possible, the purpose of which is to obtain regulated reporting. Conclusions. Conclusions. Implementing the proposed model of formation of the organizational and economic mechanism of anti-crisis management of agro-food enterprises in the innovation and investment management system will allow them to overcome the crisis and stabilize their condition. A unique role in overcoming the problem in the agro-food sector belongs to the implementation of the compulsory insurance system. The functions of information and analytical support should not be underestimated, which includes an information system for forecasting the unfolding of a crisis in the development of agri-food enterprises, information support for a cluster analysis of the crisis state of agri-food enterprises by region, and a single information agri-food system. Keywords: modeling, anti-crisis development, enterprises in the agricultural sphere, systems, innovation and investment management.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON AGRI-FOOD ENTERPRISES IN THE PELOPONNESE REGION

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, it affected the economic and social life of people worldwide. This paper aims to investigate the problems arising from the pandemic in the production process of 405 agri-food enterprises including producers (farmers, livestock farmers, fishermen), processors/micro, small, and medium agri-food enterprises located in a predominantly rural area of Greece, the Peloponnese region. The data were obtained by a detailed online questionnaire survey (quantitative analysis). According to the analysis of the results, it was found that the responses regarding the distribution of products, were almost equally divided between low and high difficulty. Furthermore, despite the increased production costs by implementing sanitary protocols, the agri-food enterprises absorbed it internally and did not pass it through the price of the product. Both the quantity and the quality of produced foodstuffs were practically hardly affected. Also, agri-food enterprises have not been seriously affected by product loss and waste. Furthermore, lockdowns are contributing to labor shortages for agriculture enterprises, particularly those characterized by periods of peak seasonal labor demand. The usage of e-shops was limited and almost half of the enterprises were not satisfied with State funding. The uncertain economic environment creates insecurity among producers and agri-food entrepreneurs for sustainability and future investments. Local and regional authorities together with the State must take relief measures to provide financial support to producers and agri-food entrepreneurs, so that the food supply chain functions properly and we do not face a food crisis

Food markets as circular digital hubs: Prototyping enabling ICT solutions for urban food systems

The challenges posed by the environmental sustainability and circular transition of food chains increasingly see the emergence of practices that link strategies and policies to territorial pilot projects that connect physical and digital infrastructures. This aspect is particularly evident in the change of urban production–transformation–distribution–consumption models. They are the basis of a complex system that influences individual and collective behaviours, life within neighbourhoods and the intertwining of incoming and outgoing food flows as the waste flow. The article will discuss the insight emerging from REFLOW, an EU H2020-funded project. It runs from June 2019 to May 2022, aiming to build an integrated approach for developing new participatory design and co-design practices dedicated to innovative and circular urban metabolisms to promote circular solutions capable of bringing environmental, social and economic benefits. In particular, the Milan Pilot involves the municipality of Milan, local makerspaces and FabLabs, agri-food enterprises and other local stakeholders. They collectively worked on municipal food markets to upgrade them into circularity hubs. The Milan Pilot – named ‘Food Market 4.0’ – concerns the design and prototyping of three product–service systems solutions to increase the circularity of the municipal covered markets and their offer service related to agri-food products. The solutions implemented are linked to a data layer that will be the basis of a city-wide renewal process of the 22 other ones. The prototypes could represent some of the building blocks of the datafication of the food distribution metabolisms and the start of a new interactive process of selling connected with other possible service offers.

The influence of the cross-border innovation environment on innovation processes in agri-food enterprises – a case study from the Dutch-German Rhine-Waal region

Enterprises of the agri-food and other sectors develop innovations that can serve the EU’s Green Deal objective to become climate-neutral by 2050. Innovation processes face specific innovation environment conditions, which are beyond the enterprise’s control. Our research aims to investigate how the innovation environment affects product innovation processes of agri-food enterprises located in a cross-border region. We developed our conceptual framework of the “cross-border innovation environment” based on innovation system and innovation management literature. We conducted semi-structured interviews in selected agri-food enterprises in the Dutch-German region Rhine-Waal. Results indicate that agri-food enterprises’ innovation environments concentrated on national-level factors, and that cross-border factors and relationships were rare. Moreover, different factors influenced different stages of innovation processes that were primarily driven by markets compared to research. We conclude that integrating customers and business partners during research and technological development is important to address current challenges of the Green Deal. Understanding how the innovation environment influences innovation processes in agri-food enterprises can help to develop appropriate policies.

Integration of Agile methods into the management system as a tool for increasing the effectiveness of strategic management in the agri-food sector

Within the framework of modern world conditions faced by the Ukrainian business subjects of the agrifood sector, conducting research on the possibility of using new methodologies in management can be an added advantage to optimizing and increasing the effectiveness of their performance. The purpose of this study was to highlight and summarize the work on the principles of introducing modern methodologies into general management systems as tools for increasing the effectiveness of strategic management in the agri-food sector, considering the modern world conditions. The study used general scientific and special research methods: monographic; theoretical generalization, analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction; structural and logical analysis; grouping and classification. The author substantiated the expediency of using flexible management methods in agri-food enterprises. The priority of using Agile management methods was identified, the advantages and disadvantages of using Kanban and Scrum methodologies in the management of an agri-food enterprise were investigated, and their main elements were determined (classification of roles in the team, key concepts, principles). Features of the functioning of business entities in the conditions of SPOD, VUCA, and BANI worlds were provided. It was noted that the flexible methods under study are aimed at the evolutionary development of organizations, i.e., gradual improvements that, in the end, ensure the effectiveness of management at a prominent level. This paper expands practical approaches to the application of flexible management methods in agri-food enterprises, which lays the foundation for further research on strategic management in the agri-food sector under the conditions of the need for their constant reorientation and adaptation to the BANI world. The practical significance of the study lies in the development and implementation of proposals and practical recommendations for the use of Agile management methods in the management system of an agri-food enterprise as a means of improving the effectiveness of strategic management

Agri-Food Enterprises and Relationship Marketing During COVID-19: A Primary Data Research through Commitment-Trust Theory

This paper examines relationship marketing through the views of agri-food enterprises during COVID-19 using the commitment-trust theory as a framework. For this purpose, a primary research was conducted in 266 Greek agri-food enterprises at all stages of the agri-food sector and its activities to investigate relationship marketing in times of crisis. Through a confirmatory structural equation model (SEM), compatible with the commitment-trust theory, the results show that relationship termination costs explain the relationship commitment while communication explains trust. Moreover, there is an indirect effect of shared values on cooperation through trust. It is important to note that despite the COVID-19 crisis, there is no effect of uncertainty on trust. The above outcomes shed light on agri-food enterprises and relationship marketing in periods of crisis. With this knowledge, this paper provides recommendations to agri-food enterprises to focus on cooperation and shared values rather than being dominated by uncertainty.

The role of intangible assets in promoting the sustainability of agri-food enterprises: Evidence from China

Considerable research has explored the relationship between intangible assets and firm performance in manufacturing and tertiary industries, but such studies remain scarce for the agri-food industry. In fact, numerous stresses, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have disrupted many activities along agri-food production chains in developing countries, resulting in huge pressure on sustainable agri-food production. Based on a sample of 94 A-share listed agri-food firms in China from 2008 to 2017, this study examines the impact of intangible assets on agri-food enterprises’ productivity using generalized method of moments estimation. The results reveal differences between private and state-owned enterprises, indicating that the promotional productivity effect of intangible assets held by private agri-food enterprises was insignificant in the current period, but will be manifested three periods later, in contrast to state-owned enterprises. Due to the soft budget constraints and incentive mechanism of state-owned agri-food enterprises, intangible assets will not promote productivity. In addition, by pursuing the financialization profit model, agri-food enterprises will sacrifice productivity improvement, which can further lead to selective abandonment in the use of intangible assets. Simultaneously, there is a crowding-out effect between intangible and fixed assets in promoting agri-food enterprises’ total factor productivity. The findings highlight the importance of the quality and conversion rate of intangible assets, particularly for agri-food enterprises, which are closely related to food security and stability.

Cooperation and innovation in Italian agribusiness between theoretical analysis and empirical evidence

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all economic sectors. The agri-food sector has also suffered very clear effects, especially in those production contexts characterized by corporate atomization, lack of cooperation, and innovation. An agrifood system, characterized by low levels of innovation and dependence on foreign countries for many raw materials and foodstuffs, must necessarily recover margins of competitiveness if it is to reverse course. This study analyses the current production scenario of the Italian agri-food industry and suggests strategies to recover margins of competitiveness. The study reveals a weak agricultural sector, while the food industry and distribution are highly competitive. Today, small agribusinesses are unable to be competitive as they increasingly operate in a globalized market that leads to disconnections between production and consumption. Cooperation strategies (aggregation of production supply), which are the basis for innovation based on high investments, are the basis for the resilience of agri-food enterprises. • Cooperation represents a strategy to increase the competitiveness of the business system. • Innovation is the engine for growth and development. • Agricultural businesses must become more competitive and create a system.

Marketing Support of Corporate Social Responsibility of Agri-Food Enterprises

The article considers the peculiarities of marketing support of corporate social responsibility of agri-food enterprises of Ukraine. The purpose of this study is to develop scientific positions to carry out the marketing support concept of corporate social responsibility of agri-food enterprises. Created positions will be directed toward building reliable partnerships with stakeholders. The logical architecture of realization of the concept of marketing support of corporate social responsibility of agrifood enterprises is formalized. The directions of harmonization of interests of business structures (stakeholders) and the state in the marketing support of corporate social responsibility of agri-food enterprises are presented. The graph-model of rational architecture of probabilistic time lag of profitability and competitiveness in the current business process of agri-food enterprises is structured. The three-level vector of realization of marketing programs of corporate social responsibility of the enterprises of agri-food production is defined. Economic indicators and the volume of expenditures on environmental and social aspects of agri-food enterprises in the range of Steppe, Forest-Steppe, Polissia and Western zones of Ukraine are analysed. Factors influencing the sustainable level of marketing support of corporate social responsibility, which increases the motivation and productivity of employees, business, and public reputation of enterprises in the agri-food sector of the economy and reduces the risk of market losses, are substantiated. It is proved that socio-economic development of ethnic communities in the Steppe, Forest-Steppe, Polissia and Western zones of Ukraine in the context of the concept of marketing support of corporate social responsibility is carried out through the implementation of environmental, motivational levers for health protection, education, cultural values, infrastructure and other social projects, that is, by increasing the flow of social investment