Agriculture and food processing industry has a key role in the development strategy of the Kosovo economy. However, today, establishing a competitive agricultural and food facility requires not only fertile lands and physical labor (blue collar); It depends on qualified engineers and technical managers to oversee production planning, soil analysis and food safety (HACCP/ISO). Kosovo Agency of Statistics (ASK) data proves that the Peja region, located in the west of Kosovo, has become an "agrobusiness training base" to meet this need.
Academic Infrastructure for Agriculture and Food Industry The fact that more than 700 students are actively studying at the Faculty of Agrobusiness within Peja "Haxhi Zeka" University in just one academic year (2017/2018) shows that the young population approaches the agricultural sector with a corporate and modern perspective. Looking at past data breakdowns, student density in specific fields such as "Food Technology", "Plant Production Technology" and "Agro-Ecology"; It confirms that the "expert laboratory and field personnel" sought for the fruit/vegetable processing plant, dairy factory or modern greenhouse projects are trained directly in this region.
Preliminary Evaluation for Agricultural Investors According to our Kosovo Investment editorial evaluation, one of the biggest cost items for international agriculture and food investors is the necessity of bringing an agricultural or food engineer from abroad (expat). This local and qualified academic HR supply in the Peja region reduces operational costs by offering investors the opportunity to employ local white-collar personnel who know the Kosovo soil structure and local languages.
However, the supply of expert personnel is only one leg of the investment. When planning an agricultural industry or food facility investment in Kosovo; It is a legal obligation to manage long-term rental of agricultural lands, municipal allocations, food safety certifications, water and waste management (EIA) permits, tax exemptions and personnel employment contracts with professional investment and legal consultancy.