Combating shadow processes in the agricultural sector: the role of state regulation.

The purpose of the article is to investigate shadow economic processes in Ukraine's agricultural sector and to define the role of state regulation in counteracting their expansion. The study applies a comprehensive methodological approach, including system analysis, comparative evaluation of foreign experience (notably in Poland, Germany, Brazil, and Canada), structural-logical modeling, and elements of expert judgment. The results indicate that despite the implementation of several government programs aimed at economic reform and de-shadowing, the agricultural sector remains highly vulnerable to informal practices. Key contributing factors include fragmented production, insufficient land accounting, unequal access to resources, and limited institutional capacity at the local level. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development of a structural-logical scheme for assessing the effectiveness of state regulation of shadow processes, along with the identification of improvement strategies based on sectoral and regional specificity. The practical significance of the research is determined by its applicability for shaping more adaptive and regionally sensitive public policies in the agricultural domain, particularly in the post-war recovery context. The proposed model and recommendations can contribute to enhancing transparency, fiscal discipline, and competitive equality among agricultural producers. Future research prospects include the development of measurable indicators for the level of shadow activity in the agri-food sector and designing incentive-based mechanisms for voluntary legalization of economic operations.