PROSPECTS OF GROWING NICHE AGRICULTURAL CROPS FOR SMALL AGRIBUSINESS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Ukraine has favorable climatic and soil conditions for growing a variety of crops, including many niche crops that are in high demand. Some examples of niche crops that can be grown in Ukraine include berries, herbs, spices and exotic fruits. The article considers the concept of niche cultures, that is, cultures that require further processing and are used in related industries, such as pharmaceutical, confectionery, textile, construction and other industries of the national economy of Ukraine. The article is devoted to the topical issue of determining the prospects of growing niche agricultural crops. The study is based on a review of the literature and analysis of statistical data on small Ukrainian enterprises engaged in the field of agriculture and on the sector of niche crops of Ukraine. The article analyzes the latest research and publications on the prospects of growing niche crops and identifies the advantages of niche crops, such as the absence of fierce competition, excess of demand over supply, low competition in the production sector, high purchase prices, high profitability. The study identified several key challenges that Ukrainian agribusiness may face, including limited access to financing and technical support that may make it difficult to invest in new crops or expand operations, there may be regulatory barriers to exporting niche crops to certain markets, and as well as the consequences of long-term, unfinished hostilities on the territory of Ukraine. Solutions have been proposed to overcome these challenges, including grouping small agribusinesses into cooperatives, associations and trade groups to build resource capacity. The article highlights the potential of small agricultural enterprises in the field of growing niche crops, which can focus on obtaining profit from the quality and exclusivity of the product. The article concludes that the development of the field of cultivation of niche agricultural crops and the production of highly profitable finished products from them by small agricultural enterprises can contribute to the filling of the state budget and the development of small and medium-sized businesses, primarily in rural areas.