The purpose of the article is to consider and give an assessment of the institute of joint activity, which can be used by producers of agricultural products as an object of cooperation. Research methods. In the research process were used the following scientific methods: methods of dialectical cognition and comparison (for comparison of different approaches to a creation of cooperative); analytic generalizations (for systematization of modern views on a simple partnership); the monographic method of cognition (for evaluation of possibilities of a simple partnership to be a form of cooperation). Research results. It was determined that a simple partnership can be considered as one of the forms of cooperation of agricultural producers. Theoretical and methodological principles and peculiarities of the functioning of a simple partnership were substantiated. Analysis of the legal field of simple partnerships confers the possibility to potential prospects of their application for cooperation of small and medium-sized agricultural producers. Since a practice of applying of such agreements does not exist, it is expedient to launch pilot projects in this sphere, particularly via introducing international technical assistance projects for the development of legal, organizational, and economic aspects of the activities of ordinary companies. It was proved that the development of simple partnerships requires the preparation of specific consultants, in particular providers of agricultural advisory services. Moreover, the dissemination of simple partnerships with the participation of small and medium-sized agricultural producers can only be achieved through developing institutional foundations and implementing specific mechanisms and models of development, introduction of which must be stimulated and controlled by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. Elements of scientific novelty. Theoretical positions concerning development of new forms of cooperation were further developed; it was substantiated that a simple partnership can act as a form of cooperation of agricultural producers. Practical significance. The obtained results can be used to create cooperative associations on basis of a simple partnership agreement. Refs.: 25