Business models of investments in agro-food systems

Abstract

Background. The2008 food price crisis wasa powerful impetus for launchinga large-scale investment process in developing countries. However, the revitalization of the investment process has gradually causeda negative impact on local communities.Although the urgency of providing best international practices that encouragea private investor to finda balance between their own and local interests is urgent, governments of the countries continue to encourage further investments, deprived of clarity, consistencyand order, in the field of agriculture.
Analysis of recent research and publications. International organizations, such as the Committee on World Food Security, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Food and Agriculture Organization, pay considerable attention to this issue.
The purpose of the article is to provide contextual guidance, practical advice on the possibilities of different investment models in the context of the principles of responsible investment in the agricultural sector.
Materials and methods. The following scientific research methods have been applied: analysis, synthesis, comparison, grouping, generalization. Official papers of international organizations, practical and theoretical publications of foreign scientists were used in the article.
Results. The article describes the basic agro-food systems in view of their investment needs, which are the result of accumulated problems in the areas of food quality, food access, hunger and obesity problems, unbalanced nutrition and health problems of the nation. The principles of responsible investment, which have recently become dominant in the development of agricultural areas in many countries around the world, are usually nominal in nature and are leveled by the implementation of investment projects. The article gives examples of effective combination of investor financial interests, socio-economic interests of the state and local communities.
Conclusion. The problems associated with responsible investment in agro-industrial systems are still quite acute at this stage. However, with the assistance of international organizations, the first steps have been taken to overcome the asymmetry of power between the investor and the local communities of the recipient countries