CURRENT STATUS AND PROSPECTS OF SOYBEAN GROWING IN THE WORLD AND UKRAINE

The scientific publication outlines the importance of soybean as one of the important legume crops. This crop occupies a leading position in terms of export and processing for food and feed purposes, and its importance in shaping the country's food and economic security is also noted. The main prerequisites that have determined the relevance of its cultivation are increased exports due to the increased development of the livestock industry in the European Union, as well as increased use of vegetable oil and increased needs in ensuring food security in Asian countries. During the period of the statistical analysis of the soybean yield level in Ukraine, it should be noted that the soybean yield changed significantly during 2005-2025. In our opinion, this is primarily due to the significant influence of weather conditions on the yield level of this crop, as well as the imperfection of the application of its cultivation technology during 2005-2010. A noticeable increase in the soybean yield level is noted in the period from 2011 to 2020. The maximum gross production in Ukraine was recorded in 2024, which amounted to 6.14 million tons, which was made possible due to the high sown area under this crop of 2.67 million hectares and a relatively satisfactory yield of 2.3 tons/hectare. Also, high gross production of soybeans was recorded in 2023 - 4.63 million tons, which was made possible due to an increase in the yield level to 2.6 tons/hectare and a relatively large sown area, which amounted to 1.78 million hectares. As well as high gross production of soybeans was recorded in 2018, which amounted to 4.46 million tons, due to a high yield level of 2.58 tons/hectare and a sown area of 1.73 million hectares. The best gross production was recorded in 2016, which amounted to 4.3 million tons, due to a sown area of 1.86 million hectares and a yield of 2.31 tons/hectare, respectively.