INTRODUCING ORGANIC FOOD IN SCHOOLS IN THE LVIV REGION AS A MARKETING TOOL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Objective. Among the priorities of state policy in the field of education and health care, the organisation of high-quality school meals occupies an important place. Given that organic products are not only safe but also beneficial to health, more and more countries are integrating them into public catering systems, particularly in schools. In Ukraine, this approach is not yet systematic. The Lviv region, which has high potential for the development of organic production, could become the first region to introduce organic food in schools at a strategic level, following the French model of cooperation between authorities, farmers and educational institutions. Methods. A modelling approach was used to assess the costs and benefits of introducing organic food into school lunches in the Lviv region. It is based on a combination of quantitative indicators of the activities of organic operators in the region with analytical generalisations and expert assumptions. As part of the study, an economic model was developed for introducing 5 % or 10 % organic products into school lunches, taking into account: the higher cost of organic products (by 30–50 %); the average cost of daily meals for one student (47,5 UAH); income from personal income tax (PIT); the creation of added value in agricultural production and processing; the multiplier effect of growth in local production and employment. Results. As of 2024, 21 organic market operators in Lviv region had the opportunity to organize organic food in schools in two areas: the development of organic agriculture and food production. These enterprises account for 2.1% of total employment, 1.7% of the total wage fund, and 0.9% of GDP, which indicates the high productivity and socio-economic efficiency of organic production in the Lviv region. Scientific novelty. Even with partial implementation (5 %) of organic products in school lunches, Lviv region will receive a positive economic effect, stimulating employment, promoting sustainable development of rural areas and improving the quality of nutrition for children; and large-scale scenarios (10 % organic with a 50 % increase in price) will ensure maximum economic return. Practical significance. All four scenarios of the study are economically viable, which proves the feasibility and effectiveness of switching to organic food in general secondary education institutions in the Lviv region and will serve as an example for scaling up to other regions of Ukraine within the framework of the European integration process.