Paul Bennett possesses a diverse background including all aspects of international agribusiness and fresh/processed foods. His work experience also includes manufacturing; retailing; mail order; china/giftware; electronic/electromechanical devices and fertilizer distribution. He has worked in multi-cultural operations and within corporate, entrepreneurial and cooperative environments.

Paul worked for DOLE FOOD COMPANY in San Francisco, Colombia, Cost Rica, Honduras, Ecuador, and the Philippines from 1968 to 1978 becoming a Vice President and General Manager. · He was the President and COO of MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA NUT CORP. in Hilo, Hawaii from 1978 to 1983. He led the rapid expansion of this largest grower, processor and marketer of macadamia nuts, and moved the Mauna Loa brand into national/international distribution. · From 1983 to 1986, Paul served as Group Vice President of INTERNATIONAL AIR SERVICE COMPANY in Burlingame, California. · From there he returned to Hawaii to work as President and COO for HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY MACADAMIA NUT COMPANY in Honolulu where he managed and was part owner of this privately held company for 3 years. · In 1989 Paul returned to the mainland and worked as President and CEO for CALIFORNIA AMMONIA CO., a fertilizer cooperative in Stockton, California. · In 1993 Paul became President and CEO of NATURIPE BERRY GROWERS, a marketing cooperative in Watsonville, California, leading this $85 million, multi-plant cooperative marketing fresh/frozen strawberries and other berries. · In 1996 Paul became Vice President of Technical Services for MONTEREY MUSHROOMS in Watsonville, California, where he was responsible for the management of the R&D group, mushroom farms, new product development, quality assurance and strategic planning.

Paul has been the President and CEO of SAKATA SEED AMERICA in Morgan Hill, California since 1997, the largest of Sakata Seed Corporation’s international subsidiaries. Sakata Seed America is responsible for plant breeding, seed production & marketing activities in North & Central America for both flowers & vegetables. Paul serves as President of Alf Christianson Seed Co. of Mt. Vernon, Washington and is on the Global Management Committee of the parent company.

Paul currently serves as Second Vice-President of the American Seed Trade Association.