CONSOLIDATION IS ONE OF THE MAIN CURRENT ISSUES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN UKRAIN

This article explores land consolidation as a strategic response to the ongoing challenges of land fragmentation in Ukraine's agricultural sector. As agriculture remains a key contributor to Ukraine’s GDP and rural employment, effective land use is crucial for national development. The fragmentation of agricultural land resulting from historical land parceling and privatization processes has led to inefficient land use, increased production costs, and hindered rural infrastructure development. Land consolidation, therefore, is presented as a multifaceted solution that not only optimizes land use but also enhances environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, and socio-economic cohesion in rural communities. The authors emphasize the importance of developing an institutional and legal framework for land consolidation based on both national needs and best international practices. Drawing from European experiences in countries such as Germany, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands, the study highlights effective consolidation mechanisms, including voluntary and compulsory land exchanges, spatial planning integration, and the formation of production clusters. Special attention is paid to the necessity of legislative support, the role of local communities, and the need to ensure transparency and equality in the consolidation process. Through the case study of the Liutenska territorial community in Poltava region, the paper demonstrates how land consolidation projects can address issues such as scattered ownership, inefficient land configurations, and ecological degradation. The analysis illustrates that rational planning and land grouping lead to reduced logistical costs, better access to land parcels, improved land productivity, and the foundation for sustainable agricultural development. Furthermore, the study proposes measures to institutionalize land consolidation in Ukraine, including legal protection of landowner rights, mandatory land use standards, promotion of inheritance indivisibility, and the development of public-private mechanisms for managing water and land resources. The research concludes that systematic land consolidation, supported by robust institutional structures and active community participation, is a cornerstone of Ukraine's socio-economic and environmental resilience.