PROBLEMS OF FOOD SECURITY OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Abstract

An important global issue of the 21st century is food security. Today, in the face of the threat of the rapid spread of coronavirus in Ukraine and around the world, the issue of food security is in priority as never before. The article analyzes the problems in the field of food security in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the main problems caused by the pandemic, declining overall food supplies, lack of seasonal migrant workers, closure of many businesses, schools and other educational institutions, as well as restrictions on travel and social fees, declining consumer sentiment, shutting down several industries – retail trade, hotel and restaurant business, air transportation, reduction of budget revenues, freezing of investments and production chains by Ukrainian companies. The author reasonably shows the impact of quality and availability of food on living standards, human social activity, the impact on the demographic aspect of its existence. The article analyzes the economic affordability of food in Ukraine in 2016–2020. Analyzed in the literature review of the problem draws the attention of scientists and society to the need to respond to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic in the food industry. The article proves the introduction of innovative technologies to support the food industry and minimize food security risks. The issues outlined in the article encourage the need for society to respond to the challenges caused by pandemic in food production as well as encourage producers to innovate in science and technology to support further food industry development.