STANDARDIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES: A DRAFT INTERNAL STANDARD

Abstract

The modern development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector requires effective mechanisms to improve the efficiency of agricultural cooperatives, which serve as an important tool for integrating small producers into the market environment. In conditions of insufficient regulatory guidance, the development of internal normative documents, particularly the organizational standard of Ukraine (SOU), becomes especially relevant as it defines unified rules, procedures, and performance indicators. This article presents a draft SOU for agricultural cooperatives that encompasses organizational, production, economic, social, and environmental requirements. Special attention is given to the system of standardized indicators, which enables a comprehensive evaluation of cooperative performance. The proposed indicators cover product quality, financial results, member participation, and environmental responsibility, providing a foundation for transparent monitoring and control. The project was substantiated using a systems approach, comparative analysis of international and national standards, and synthesis of best practices from cooperative operations worldwide. The study also examined the implementation of gender-oriented programs, agroecological schemes, cooperative resource management systems, energy initiatives, and entrepreneurial practices. These insights were integrated into the SOU draft, incorporating modern approaches aimed at strengthening social capital, institutional resilience, and cooperative competitiveness. The developed document can serve as a practical basis for improving cooperative management, harmonizing their activities with international norms, and fostering greater trust in Ukraine’s agri-food system.