Integration Links and Methods of Their Improvement for the Effective Functioning of the Meat and Food Subcomplex

Abstract

The subject of research is the current trends in the development of the meat products sub-complex of Ukraine and the formation of integration ties as an integral factor of influence on the effective activity of the livestock industry. Among the branches of agriculture, animal husbandry is a source of important food products for humans: milk, meat, eggs, and supplies various types of raw materials for industry (food, light pharmaceuticals, etc.). The growth of animal husbandry in the agricultural sector of Ukraine is formed in the meat products subcomplex, which unites producers of agricultural (animal) products, trade organisations and enterprises of the meat processing industry in the process of livestock and poultry breeding, their processing and sale of finished products. An important factor contributing to the sustainable development of the meat products sub-complex is the effective use of its components, i.e., agricultural enterprises, peasant farms, private farms of the population. The problem of sustainability in agricultural production is more complex than in other sectors of the economy. This is due to the fact that agricultural products are almost irreplaceable and the demand for them is inelastic. Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research were general and special methods of studying economic phenomena and processes, basic rules of management theory and general scientific principles of economics, logical and qualitative analysis and synthesis, system structural analysis. The research was conducted on the basis of the application of general scientific methods and techniques: the method of cause-effect analysis – to identify problems in the development of enterprises of the meat products sub-complex and the industry; logical generalisation – to form conclusions and proposals; factor analysis – to identify the influence of certain factors on the development of enterprises of the meat products subcomplex. The results of the research will broaden the scientific understanding of the integration processes in the meat products subcomplex, help to overcome the fragmentation of scientific knowledge in this area, contribute to the formation of information and applied research, and can be used in the development of programmes for the development of the meat products subcomplex. Practical implications. The choice of any development strategy requires the study of all factors affecting the effective operation of the company in the future, therefore the study of integration relations and the study of methods for their improvement is an important aspect in the formation of the company's development strategy. Value/оriginality. On the basis of the peculiarities of the activities of the enterprises of the meat products subcomplex, it is worthwhile to focus on the directions of improving the integration relations of the functioning of the meat products subcomplex on the basis of the use of vertical integration, which will contribute to the coordination of the economic interests of the participants and, in general, to the growth of production volumes, the improvement of the quality of animal products and food and environmental safety in general, in solving an important scientific task of the development of the food products subcomplex on the basis of a complex system of measures aimed at preserving and restoring the potential of the interrelated industries.