The importance of agricultural clusters for the development of rural regions

Abstract

The formation of agro-industrial clusters makes it possible to increase the competitiveness of agricultural regions. Agricultural clusters allow increasing food production, as well as creating an integrated, geographically localized structure that includes the entire chain involved in the production of agricultural products, starting from the sale and maintenance of agricultural machinery and ending with the storage and processing of crops. The agro-industrial cluster allows the dissemination of innovations among the enterprises participating in this cluster. Within the framework of the agricultural cluster, favorable conditions are created for the exchange of experience and knowledge, which contributes to the creation and implementation of new technologies and ideas. Agricultural clusters can be in demand by private investors, as well as attract skilled labor from other sectors of the economy. Agricultural clusters help the development of ecosystems in agricultural regions. These ecosystems include agricultural producers, research centers, universities and food industry enterprises. Successful agricultural clusters can contribute to the development of green tourism in the region. The creation of agricultural clusters contributes to the development of regional social infrastructure, provides conditions for the sustainable development of the region, improves the standard of living of the population, which makes it possible to reduce migration flows to other regions.