THE CONCEPTUAL PRINCIPLES OF FORMING INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ON THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

The article examines approaches to the development of infrastructure provision from the standpoint of sustainability as a strategic vision of the sector’s development in the context of balanced growth and the effective recovery of Ukraine’s post-war economy. The aim of the article is to substantiate the main conceptual principles of forming infrastructure provision for the agricultural sector based on sustainability, which will not only improve the efficiency of agricultural production but also contribute to the balanced development of rural areas in the long term. It is substantiated that agricultural infrastructure is a key factor in ensuring food security, economic resilience, and the social development of rural areas. Particular attention is paid to the indicative dimension of sustainability through the use of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI). The analysis of GFSI data shows that Ukraine occupies middle positions in the global ranking but demonstrates low values in the indicators of “Sustainability and Adaptation” and “Availability.” This is related to the destruction of logistics routes, the blockade of Black Sea ports, and the growing problem of climate vulnerability. This confirms the thesis about the decisive role of infrastructure as an integrative resource capable of ensuring the resilience of the agricultural sector. It has been proven that the effective formation of infrastructure provision is possible only through close cooperation between state institutions, business structures, and research institutions. The article proposes that policy should focus on the principle of advanced infrastructure development, which implies prioritizing investments in infrastructure facilities compared to the expansion of production capacities. This pattern is confirmed by international practice and is of particular importance for Ukraine, which has suffered significant losses of infrastructural assets as a result of the war. Special attention is paid to the ecological aspect of agricultural infrastructure development. It is emphasized that the restoration of reclamation systems, the reclamation of degraded lands, the introduction of renewable energy sources, and circular technologies should become part of the “green” reconstruction strategy. It is determined that the optimization of the balance between the costs of eliminating the consequences of pollution and the losses from environmental degradation should be considered as a basic criterion for achieving ecological and economic equilibrium. It is substantiated that the conceptual principles of forming infrastructure provision for the agricultural sector on the basis of sustainability have dual importance for Ukraine. First, they ensure the recovery of the economy’s viability under the conditions of wartime destruction. Second, they create a strategic foundation for the transition to a new model of development, where economic, social, and environmental goals are integrated into a unified system of long-term resilience.