Bekim Hoxha, born on January 18, 1970 in Rahovec, has been engaged and has developed extensive experience in the agricultural sector since the beginning of his career, through various professional roles and his specialized academic background in this field.

EDUCATION AND SPECIALIZATIONS

Bekim Hoxha’s academic education is focused on agriculture and rural development. He completed his higher studies at the University of Zagreb – Faculty of Agronomy (1990-1998), graduating with a Master’s degree in Horticulture with a specialization in Viticulture and Winemaking.
Continuing his academic development, Hoxha completed his Master’s degree in Rural Development and Agro-Environment at the Agricultural University of Tirana (2012-2014). Furthermore, in 2008, he pursued specialized studies in Agro economics at the University of Kent, United Kingdom.
He speaks several languages, including Serbian, Croatian, and English.

EXPERIENCE

Currently, Bekim Hoxha holds the position of Executive Director at the Food and Veterinary Agency, where he leads with vision and efficiency, ensuring the improvement of food safety standards and veterinary services in the country.

Previously, he served in several important positions:

• 2021-2022 Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kosovo Forestry Agency
• April 2020 – December 2020 Acting Secretary General at MAFRD
• 2014-2020 Director of the Department for Viticulture and Winemaking at MAFRD, where he led strategic projects for the development of the wine sector in Kosovo.
• 2006 – 2014 He has held the position of Head of the Office of the Secretary General at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MAFRD)
• From 2000 to 2004 – After returning to Kosovo, he worked as the Agriculture Sector Coordinator at World Vision, contributing to the development of agricultural projects and the establishment of farmers’ associations.
• After completing his studies, he worked in the Horticulture sector in Croatia.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY

• President of the “Rahoveci” Basketball Club from 2014 to 2020, helping to develop local sports.
• Member of the Executive Board of the World Ploughing Organization (WPO), representing Kosovo in world competitions since 2012
• Hoxha has been the delegate of the Republic of Kosovo to the Working Group on Agriculture and Rural Development for South-East Europe (SWG-RRD) since 2006. During this long-term engagement, he has served as President of the SWG-RRD Assembly in 2012 and 2018, while in 2026 he is continuing his third mandate in this function. In addition to his professional engagements,

Bekim Hoxha is one of the founders of the “Hardh Fest” festival, one of the largest annual events in Kosovo that promotes the tradition of wine and viticulture. This festival has significantly contributed to the economic and cultural development of the community, increasing its influence not only at the local but also regional level, and attracting great interest from foreign tourists.