Current trends of grain production development in Ukraine and the world

The article reveals the key features of grain crops cultivation. The study presents an economic importance of cereal crops and tendencies of their changes in the world, and then on the level of Ukraine. Wheat is grown mainly in the countries of the Black Sea region, Asia, North and South America and the European Union, but the highest dynamics of crop production area increase is recorded in the countries of the Black Sea region, Africa and South Asia. The area of сoarse grains cultivation has increased in East Asia and South America. The largest producer of grain is the European Union, but Asian countries have also increased grain production. The highest growth rates in crops output were observed in the countries of the Black Sea region, Africa, South America and East Asia. Wheat production has increased in all regions except Oceania and North America. Regarding coarse grains, the largest producers are North America, East Asia and the European Union. Higher rates of grain production are recorded in South America, East and Southeast Asia. The largest wheat producer of in the world is the European Union, but its advantage over other countries will continue to decline. China and India are expected to take first place. The countries of the Black Sea region and the USA are also important wheat producers, however, the highest increase among the top ten producers is observed in Ukraine. The main producers of coarse grains are the United States, China and the European Union. Changes in the area of sowings, sets and crops were presented. Directions of allocating cereal crops in the last period were compared. The directions of changes on the market of cereal crops in Ukraine were identified. In Ukraine the area of the cultivation and the level of sets were stable. In Ukraine, over the past period the upward trend in gross grain production has been observed and is forecasted to remain as such for the next 10-15 years. The share of more productive plants, such as corn, has increased in the structure of cereals, with a simultaneous decrease in the yield of rye and grain mixtures. In line with the increase in production volumes, grain exports from Ukraine have also increased, which will increase the inflow of foreign currency into the country. The grain subcomplex has considerable development potential, which will improve the economic situation not only in agriculture, but also in the country's economy as a whole. However, the grain subcomplex capacity building and its further development should take place in the context of the developed state policy to support the agricultural sector and, in particular, the grain sector. The key focus for the development of grain market in Ukraine is its export expansion.