Environmental and socio-economic factors in the location of organic crop production

The study aims to substantiate a methodological approach to the optimal location of organic crop production throughout the territory, considering soil-climatic, environmental, economic, and social conditions. The object of the study is territories located in different climatic zones. A system of statistical indicators has been developed to identify typical groups of territories for the possibility of producing organic products. The system includes 33 elements that characterize units in terms of condition and potential for economic development, level of agricultural production, climatic and environmental conditions, and demand potential for organic products. The technique is based on factor and cluster analysis. Factor analysis made it possible to identify five components underlying the grouping of territories. Using cluster analysis made it possible to identify with a high degree of accuracy seven groups with different conditions for agricultural production and potential for developing organic production, which, according to their characteristics, are suitable for producing certain agricultural products. Optimization of the location of organic production is explained by the requirements for the preservation of the environment, biodiversity, conditions for growing crops, and meeting the demand of consumers of environmentally friendly products