The article substantiates the need of creation and operation of agricultural holdings in Ukraine, which, due to the scale of their activities, are able to reveal potential opportunities and strengthen the competitive position of the agricultural sector of country on the international market. The article highlights the main stages of establishing agricultural holdings in Ukraine. The essence of the concept «agricultural holding» was found; their quantitative dynamics of development was investigated. The study identified the major advantages and disadvantages of agricultural holding companies in Ukraine.