Financial and investment instruments to stimulate sustainable development of agri-food enterprise clusters in the context of food security

For Ukraine, a state with a strong agricultural potential, the development of financial instruments that can mitigate risks and stimulate the implementation of resource-efficient solutions is crucial. The purpose of this study is to identify financial and investment tools that stimulate the sustainable development of agri-food enterprise clusters, and to substantiate their implementation strategies in the context of food security. According to the results of the SWOT analysis of agri-food enterprise clusters, it was found that the key strengths include high natural resource potential, established production and cooperation ties, and the orientation of a significant part of the products towards export standards. At the same time, significant weaknesses were identified, including the low level of financial literacy of some cluster participants, insufficient development of internal investment mechanisms, and weak diversification of financing sources. The study also proved the feasibility of introducing insurance mechanisms and risk management tools at the cluster level, which will help increase their financial stability. It is summarized that financial and investment instruments are not only a means of attracting resources for modernization, but also a crucial factor in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of agro-food enterprises. The formation of a favorable investment environment for sustainable agricultural projects will enable the country to strengthen its food security by increasing domestic supply and enhancing export positions. Ways to improve the efficiency of clusters of agro-food enterprises are also substantiated based on defining individual strategies for their development, considering the conclusions of the SWOT analysis. Keywords: sustainable development, clusters, agri-food enterprise, food security, tools, integration, financing.