Tendencies in crop production and sustainable agricultural development in Ukraine – opportunities for harmonization

The purpose of the article is to assess the current practice of crop production in the corporate sector regarding established norms of optimal distribution of agricultural crops in rotation and to propose approaches for improvement of economic practices in context of sustainability. Research methods. In the research process have been used the following scientific methods: economic and statistical for characterization of the current trends in the agricultural production, in particular crop production; comparative analysis for defining of discrepancy between compliance of the optimal crop ratio in crop rotation of the corporate sector to the legal norms; spatial analysis for distribution of existing agricultural enterprises by nature of crop production and structure of cultivated area. Research results. In the course of the research it has been discovered that cultivation of agricultural crops in the corporate sector of domestic agriculture is maintained with numerous violations of agricultural diversification principles and optimal balance of crops in crop rotation recommended by legislative acts. It is proposed to direct an economic practice of the corporate sector towards sustainable agricultural production on basis of improving diversification of agricultural crops. Elements of scientific novelty. The theoretical positions concerning regulation of the corporate sector's economic activity in agriculture, in particular, in the field of crop production have been further developed taking into account the need to maintain sustainable agricultural production. Practical significance. The assessment of compliance with crop production requirements in the corporate sector in accordance with the goals of sustainable development will serve as an additional factor in substantiating the need for a transition to sustainable agricultural production in Ukraine and creation of effective regulatory mechanisms at the state level. Tabl.: 5. Figs.: 2. Refs.: 21.