Cooperation and its modern models in the system of rural development and food security in the region

Анотація

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of agricultural service cooperatives as a strategic institution for ensuring regional food security and socio-economic resilience in Ukraine. Amidst global turbulence, climate change, and the ongoing military conflict, cooperation is re-evaluated not merely as a form of collective farming but as a synergetic mechanism for rural preservation and social consolidation. The study rethinks classical cooperative theories (by M. Tuhan-Baranovsky, R. Owen, F. Raiffeisen) through the lens of modern challenges, including digitalization (Blockchain, ERP, Smart-contracts) and institutional adaptability. The research highlights the critical role of cooperatives in maintaining food supply chains in high-risk, de-occupied, and border regions of Ukraine. By integrating small and medium-sized farmers into global value chains, cooperatives reduce transaction costs, improve market positioning, and foster the transition from low-margin raw materials to high-value-added products. A significant part of the study is dedicated to analyzing international experience, particularly the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Italian cooperative model, which contributes over 8% to national GDP. The author emphasizes that the success of the cooperative movement depends on a “multi-stakeholder” approach that balances economic efficiency with social mission and environmental sustainability. Special attention is paid to the institutional support for small producers, including the analysis of the latest legislative initiatives in Ukraine (Bill No. 13312) aimed at protecting farmers from unfair trade practices. The article concludes that a modern cooperative model, supported by digital trust and global partnerships, acts as a catalyst for the “Build Back Better” strategy, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the national agricultural sector within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords: agricultural cooperation, food security, socio-economic resilience, service cooperatives, digitalization of agribusiness, institutional environment, European integration, rural development.

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