SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE CARPATHIAN REGION: EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE AND UKRAINIAN REALITIES

Abstract

The article under scrutiny investigates the conceptual and applied foundations of managing the sustainable development of agricultural enterprises in the Carpathian region of Ukraine with consideration of European integration processes and regional specifics. The research emphasises the importance of harmonising environmental and economic interests through the introduction of green public procurement, technological innovations, and institutional transformations in the agricultural sector. The methodological framework is based on a systemic approach that combines statistical analysis, SWOT analysis, structural-functional methods and the comparative generalisation of EU experience. The study identifies the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to sustainable agricultural development in the Carpathian region, which is characterised by challenging natural conditions, significant soil erosion and limited investment capacity. The implementation of integrated technological solutions, including precision agriculture, contour-melioration systems and organic production practices, has been shown to be crucial for reducing environmental degradation and enhancing soil fertility. Furthermore, adapting EU Common Agricultural Policy instruments, such as ecological subsidies, digital monitoring platforms and circular economy principles, creates opportunities to align Ukrainian agricultural practices with European standards. The novelty of the study lies in its proposed organisational and economic mechanism, which integrates green procurement, financial incentives, technological modernisation and institutional support in order to ensure the ecological competitiveness and resilience of the agrarian sector. The practical significance of the research lies in developing regional models of sustainable agricultural management, particularly green procurement pilot projects, which could be replicated in other Ukrainian regions. The findings show that making Ukrainian agricultural products more environmentally responsible, increasing their digitalisation and fostering public-private partnerships can significantly boost their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.