Assessment of problems and prospects for the development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine

The purpose of the article is to highlight the problems and prospects for the development of the agrarian sector of Ukraine and to identify ways to build new small family farms, taking into account the experience of developed countries. The world experience of supporting small farms is studied. It is found that in the European Union, family farms form the basis of the agricultural sector. It is determined that Western countries have developed programmes to support and develop small family farms. It is noted that small farms in the European Union ensure sustainable development of rural areas. Studies show that in Ukraine today, small family farms with small agricultural land tend to decrease and their agricultural areas in the land bank of Ukraine are insignificant. It has been determined that wages in agriculture are among the lowest in comparison with other sectors of the economy, with the highest profitability compared to other sectors of the economy. In addition, the number of employees in the agricultural sector has almost halved over the past twelve years, and employment in this sector has been steadily declining over the past three years. The analysis shows that the agricultural sector in Ukraine cannot ensure comprehensive sustainable development of rural regions, which is the focus of the European Union. It is determined that during the hostilities, small family farms supplied agricultural products to the domestic market, ensuring the food security of the State. It is noted that it is necessary to create a new model of the agricultural sector, the priority of which should be the development of small family farms. The main proposals for building a new model of agricultural production are presented. The priority should be public investment in small business in the agricultural sector.