Diversification as a modern growth strategy in agriculture

The aim of the article is to examine the theoretical foundations of diversification strategy and identify the characteristics of its application in agriculture. The relevance of diversification strategy research is that its implementation allows additional income to be made, ensures financial stability for enterprise when demand for basic products fluctuates, and strengthens the competitive position in chosen markets. The importance for enterprise of implementing growth strategy is discussed, as is the economic essence of “marketing strategy”. Dynamic changes in the market force producers to review their activity and seek a more optimum development strategy. Diversification can be the optimal strategy when market conditions are uncertain. The article analyzes the essence and types of diversification along with the benefits and disadvantages of diversification strategy. As a result of the research, features of diversification strategy for the agricultural sector were analysed, the essence of which may be found in the unification of agricultural products with other kinds of activity. This is done to decrease the risk arising from receding demand for main agricultural products. The study found that the most effective and least risky strategy is vertical diversification, which involves obtaining a synergistic effect and reducing transaction costs (through the use of a single production chain from field to consumer).