Strategic management of agri-food enterprises in the context of deepening integration of Ukraine into the world grain market

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to determine strategic directions for further integration of Ukrainian grain companies based on the assessment of the impact of their financial condition on the opportunities for innovative development Methods/Approach: To achieve this goal, the authors used abstract-logical, economic-statistical, index, and graphical research methods. The sources of information were data from FAO, the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, and financial statements of the most significant agricultural holdings in Ukraine. The choice of farming enterprises was based on national ratings of the largest Ukrainian agrarian companies and grain exporters. The financial condition of farming companies was analyzed based on three indicators: economic stability, liquidity, and profitability. Results: The study's results showed differences in the potential for strategic development of agricultural holdings depending on the integral indicator of their financial condition. PRJSC "ZERNOPRODUKT MHP", a recognized leader in grain exports in Ukraine, determined the highest integral indicator of strategic development. This confirmed the author's hypothesis about the connection between the financial condition and the strategic potential for the development of food companies. Innovative development of the national economy, particularly the agricultural sector, showed low science intensity (0.3-0.4% of GDP). Conclusions: The economic basis for the intensification of innovative development of Ukrainian agri-food companies is their strong financial condition and profitability of activities. The main directions of implementing strategies for further integration of Ukrainian grain companies into the world grain market were technological re-equipment of production, the introduction of modern management methods and financial instruments, sustainability, and ESG management. Implementing such an innovative strategy will increase the productivity and competitiveness of Ukrainian grain in world markets, strengthen the state's food security, and ensure the long-term growth of the agricultural economy in conditions of uncertainty.