The purpose of the article is to substantiate the theory and methodology of cluster development of the agro-industrial complex (AIC).

Research methods. The following scientific methods were used in the work: monographic, systemic and comparative analysis, abstract logical and normative.

Research results. Ten basic principles of the development and implementation of cluster policy in relation to the AIC are formulated: the principle of scientific support, the principle of consistency in the AIC organization, the principle of the complexity of the AIC building, the principle of the prospects of the AIC development, etc. A number of limitations have been identified that impede the spread of cluster structures in the AIC sphere (lack of special legislation, lack of long-term positive practice, lack of systematic scientific research, etc.), as well as a number of factors that give the right to quickly deploy cluster processes and to level constraint factors (extensive historical experience in the formation of various forms of cooperation and integration, the developed principles of the theory and practice of creating food and grocery companies in latest time, etc.). Because of this, positive factors being used can significantly prevail over the restraining factors and consistently level them. Due to this, evaluation criteria and indicators for the creation of competitive cluster associations in the AIC have been worked out. 

Elements of scientific novelty. A new definition of the AIC clustering as a megacluster system is formulated, the scientific novelty of which is that one formulation reflects targeted cooperation and subjects integration, a multilevel and multi-aspect participant composition, aiming on the observance of subjects economic interests, the need for rational resources use, the possibility of prompt resources redistribution, focus on strategic competitiveness.

Practical significance. The cluster policy in relation to the AIC sphere has certain stages, where each redistribution has its own characteristics of cooperation and integration. For this, an appropriate roadmap for the sequence of clustering steps has been developed. In order to develop the roadmap, the effects of the functioning of cluster systems in the AIC (attraction of investments, sustainable development of the technical and technological base, optimization of the ratio of different resource types, etc.) were worked out and based on them possible indicators were formulated to ensure an adequate assessment of the state and results of the AIC clustering.