BIOECONOMY: PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN AGRICULTURE TO OVERCOME THE FOOD CRISIS

Abstract

The relevance of the subject matter of the article lies in the fact that humanity is facing global problems, including climate change, the food crisis and the development of agro-industrial complexes. The purpose of the article is to analyze aspects of the bioeconomy, which is ready to play a central role in solving these problems. The research methodology involves the use of general scientific methods used in economics and biotechnology in relation to the bioeconomy based on an interdisciplinary approach. In the food sector, EU strategies use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The strategic plan significantly reduces the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and antibiotics. The goal of this strategy is to reduce the environmental impact of pesticides on food. The analysis of the restriction on the use of chemicals in the strategies shows that it has contributed to the environmental sustainability of agricultural production. However, this has a negative impact on socio-economic aspects, especially now that Ukraine is at war, with growing food shortages and growing concerns about food security around the world. The goal of the European Green Deal is integral and directly related to the development of the bioeconomy, as it is linked to natural resources and agriculture. However, feeding the world's rapidly growing population with current models of food extraction and production remains a major political challenge. It is also worth noting that the ongoing war in Ukraine has exacerbated the problem of food supply not only in the EU but also in other regions. In addition, the huge amount of soil, water, and air pollution caused by unsustainable food production leads to biodiversity loss and contributes to climate change. The intensification of biodiversity loss in the EU is largely influenced by the intensification of agriculture due to the high use of fertilizers and pesticides. Currently, excessive use of pesticides is leading to population declines, particularly of pollinating insects. To support the long-term sustainability of both nature and agriculture, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 works in tandem with the Farm to Fork strategy. The Commission has committed to both strategies to take action to reduce the overall use of chemical pesticides and the risks associated with them by 50% by 2030.