AGRI-FOOD MARKET: STAGES AND CURRENT DEVELOPMENT’S TRENDS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the research of the agri-food market formation and development stages under the up-to-date economic challenges condition. The main problem highlighted is the growing demand for food products in the context of a growing world population, which requires efficient production of quality and affordable food. Important aspects of the research include the optimization of business processes, the introduction of innovative technologies and the use of highly productive crop varieties and animal breeds to increase economic efficiency and reduce production costs. Based on the latest research and publications of famous scientists, it has been identified the main approaches to understanding the category of “market” in the context of agri-food products and have systematized historical scientific approaches to its understanding, identifying four main areas of its definition according to the political economy approach: classical, neoclassical, monetarist and Marxist schools. It is proved that the development of market relations takes place through successive stages, each of which reflects a certain state of market evolution. From the first unorganized forms of trade to the emergence of specialized trading platforms and government regulation, market relations acquire new features and characteristics. The article also examines current trends in consumer behavior, such as downshifting, environmental awareness, healthy eating, zero waste and the sharing economy, and their impact on the agri-food market. The authors emphasize the importance of the information element for effective market development, highlighting the difficulty of obtaining reliable information in the current environment. The results of the research demonstrate the need for continuous analysis and improvement of scientific approaches to understanding market processes. It has been suggested the own vision of the category “market” as a complex system of socio-economic relations between participants, functioning on the basis of market mechanisms and institutions. The market is seen not only as an institution for the exchange of goods and money, but also as a space for the activities of its participants, which determines its important role in ensuring food security, stability of economic development and maintaining social welfare.