Food systems formation: theoretical and essential aspects

The purpose of the article is to generalize and deepen the theoretical and essential aspects of the formation of modern food systems, to reveal the features of their main functional components. Research methods. Based on the dialectical method of cognition, general scientific research methods were used, namely: abstract-logical (for generalization and formulation of conclusions); monographic and systems analysis (in studying the essence of food systems); historical (in the study of transformational transformations of the food complex into a food system); comparative analysis (to compare the substantive characteristics of the food complex and the food system); graphic (for visual display of analysis results); as well as a systems approach, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, and others in the field of economic research. Research results. It is proved that the food complex has long gone beyond its traditional interpretation. Its content can be defined as a food system that includes all elements (production resources, people, markets, trade, institutions, infrastructure, environment), all activities and the full range of actors involved in the production, processing, distribution, marketing and consumption of food, involving drivers of the economic, social and natural environment in which it is embedded, to achieve socio-economic and environmental results. Scientific novelty. Theoretical and methodological approaches to determining the organizational and economic status of the food subcomplex as a food system, which is a set of interconnected elements, activities and participants involved in the whole chain of "production-consumption", operating under the influence of environmental factors (economic, socio-cultural, political, scientific and technical, environmental and globalization) to meet the needs of the population in quality and safe food while maintaining the economic benefits of all economic entities and achieving the strategic goal of ensuring food security. Practical significance. The research results contain theoretically essential aspects that expand knowledge about the formation of food systems in current conditions. All interested persons and specialists can use the obtained materials to research further the problems of construction and functioning of modern food systems. Figs.: 1. Refs.: 27.