DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF FAMILY FARMS

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to explore the trends in the development of family farms. The following scientific methods were employed in our study: dialectical method, monographic method, graphic method, empirical method, comparative analysis, predictive method, abstract-logical method. amily farming has the potential to be a form of employment, a unique method of agricultural product and food production, and a set of structures leading the preservation of the national identity in Ukrainian villages. To activate the development of family farms, state support is crucial, encompassing policies, stakeholders, and society as a whole, working collaboratively to ensure the necessary support and resources for sustainable development and a better future. A prospective suggestion for family farms is to consider creating roadside farmers’ markets in collaboration with neighboring farms, forming a cooperative for the sale of vegetables, berries, and fruits. The cooperative setup also provides real opportunities to access larger markets. Currently, a significant portion of family farm produce is sold within the production regions, limiting the ability to achieve optimal prices. Prospects involve selling local products beyond regional borders to avoid low purchase prices, expand markets, and meet the demand of residents in other areas. For family farms specializing in berries, fruits, and vegetables, there is potential for producing frozen fruits/berries, supplying them to local stores. Frozen products become more accessible and cost-effective than fresh ones, especially during the cold seasons. If financial resources are limited, creating a processing cooperative to serve family farms is a viable option. Additionally, a significant portion of logistic services can be handled through the cooperative, providing easier access to new technologies and ensuring sales and financial security. The study emphasizes the importance of governmental support for the further development of family farms. Recommendations include expanding storage and processing capacities on-site, establishing trading and branding of products, placing storage facilities directly on farms to reduce transportation costs, and focusing on organic farming. Family farms can serve as successful examples for transforming individual farming households into organized entities with the potential to contribute to national identity preservation in rural areas. In conclusion, entrepreneurial family farms aim to increase motivation for rural residents to become official participants in organized markets, credit resources, and state support programs.