SUSTAINABILITY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Abstract

The article examines the concept of sustainable development in agricultural entrepreneurship as a fundamental factor in ensuring not only food security but also in creating a new model of socio-ecological-economic growth that does not contradict the interests of future generations. Agricultural entrepreneurship is defined as one of the key sectors in Ukraine’s economic structure in terms of potential, employment, and foreign exchange earnings from food exports. However, this sector remains vulnerable to economic, environmental, and social risks. The study clarifies the conceptual understanding of “sustainable development of agricultural entrepreneurship” as a process of dynamic transition of the agribusiness system to a new qualitative level of functioning, characterized by economically sound decisions, environmental safety, and social orientation in a harmonious unity of components. The research substantiates that sustainable development of agricultural entrepreneurship implies achieving a balance between economic efficiency, environmental safety, and social responsibility. Agricultural entrepreneurs must implement practices that ensure economic stability, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the welfare of local communities in a balanced unity of interests. The paper emphasizes that harmonization of sustainability elements is not merely a slogan but a practical necessity. Innovative development is identified as a determining factor in ensuring the sustainability of agricultural business and should be supported in various ways. The implementation of cutting-edge technologies, new management methods, and organizational forms enables more efficient use of natural and production resources, reduces environmental risks, and creates new opportunities for agricultural development. Digital technologies, such as precision farming systems, crop monitoring, supply chain management, and other modern agricultural entrepreneurship tools, have significant potential. The social component of sustainability in agricultural business development is primarily aimed at rural development, ensuring decent working conditions, and improving the quality of life for the rural population, as agricultural entrepreneurship typically serves as a system-forming entity in rural areas. Therefore, the formation of social responsibility in agricultural business and the involvement of local communities in decision-making regarding territorial development are essential. The paper also highlights the significant role of the institutional environment in balancing elements of agricultural development sustainability, which establishes framework conditions for agricultural entrepreneurship functioning. This includes stable agricultural policy and effective mechanisms for supporting sustainable initiatives, primarily from the state, but also from international organizations, investors, and industry associations of agri-food producers. This should be facilitated by the development of cooperation and rural infrastructure, creating organizational and institutional prerequisites for a broader implementation of sustainable development principles. The study argues that the relevance of sustainable development in agricultural entrepreneurship is determined by its key role in guaranteeing food security, economic growth, and social stability, as well as the need to adapt to global environmental challenges, particularly climate change and the depletion of natural resources. The implementation of sustainable development principles in agricultural entrepreneurship requires systematic efforts from the state, business sector, scientific community, and civil society, aimed at forming an effective economic model that considers the interests of both present and future generations. The scientific substantiation of promising directions for implementing the sustainable development concept in agricultural entrepreneurship encompasses a set of factors and a sequence of practical implementation stages, with the aim of achieving outlined strategic sustainability targets. The paper emphasizes the necessity of activating information and educational activities regarding the components of sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship development.