Birth and Background Born on 9th November 1964 in Gaj near Vrbovec
Comes from a family of farmers, father late Josip Pankretić, one of the founders of the Croatian Peasants’ Party and representative to the Croatian Parliament, mother Ljuba nee Tretinjak, housewife.

Education: Elementary school
- first to fourth grade - Dijaneš
- fourth-eight grade - Vrbovec
Secondary School of Economics Vrbovec (1978 -1982)
Zagreb University Faculty of Agriculture (graduated in 1988), Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Master of science (obtained master’s degree from the Faculty of Agriculture in 1998; master’s thesis topic: «Impact of Agricultural Policy Foreign Trade Measures on Bovine Production in Croatia »)

Professional career: 1988-1996 Purchase Department Deputy Manager, PIK Vrbovec
May 1996 elected Deputy Prefect of the Zagreb County; performs this office in a professional manner until election as Representative to the House of Counties of the Croatian National Parliament;
In March 1997 elected representative to the House of Counties of the Croatian National Parliament, following constitution of the Parliament, elected Deputy Chairman of the House of Counties;
27 January 2000 appointed Minister of Agriculture and Forestry;
2003 Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Agriculture and Forestry; Member of Parliament;
November 2007 reelected Member of the Croatian Parliament;
January 2008 reappointed Minister of Agriculture.

Other detail: Nationality: Croat
Religion: Roman Catholic
Marital status: married since 1995
Wife: business officer
Children: two daughters
Actively participated in the Croatian War of Independence, 1991 Testimonial Holder