Annotation: The article summarizes existing approaches to the theory and practice of development cooperation, its state regulation and the main theoretical and methodological provisions of the state support of development of cooperation in the agricultural sector. Defined the basic idea of agricultural cooperation and the factors of its cause. Identified the key problems of functioning and development of agricultural service cooperatives. Established approaches to the development of state regulation of cooperative societies in terms of sustainable development of rural territories, identifies the problematic issues that require special attention. The basic directions and prospects of effective government regulation of cooperation in the agricultural sector for sustainable socio-economic development of rural areas.

Key words: сooperation, agricultural cooperation, agrarian sector, industrial cooperative, servicing cooperative, state regulation.