New owners acquire PlantHaven International

PlantHaven International recently announced that Robert Bett and Jeanette Bett, two long-term team members of PlantHaven International, have purchased the agency from founders Geoff Needham and Maureen Needham. Collectively, they bring 55+ years in managing breeding portfolios on an international marketplace.

Former founder and CEO Geoff Needham will mentor the new owners as a consultant throughout the transition. PlantHaven International is a California-based breeding agency currently representing 98 independent breeders and 300+ active patented plant portfolios. The team invests in the international breeding community and creates partnerships to help develop successful plant introductions for growers, retailers, landscapers, and consumers.

“The Betts joined our team 12 years ago, with Robert assuming the role of CEO for the last eight years,” says Needham. “Maureen and I could not be more thrilled to see them carry on the legacy of this agency representing the most influential independent plant breeding companies in our industry.”

Both Robert and Jeanette have a long relationship with PlantHaven International. They began working with the Needhams in their roles at Lyndale Kiwi Flora in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2000. In 2009, the Betts accepted leadership positions with PlantHaven International and moved to Santa Barbara, California.

Robert adds, “We’re beyond delighted with the outpouring of support from the breeders that PlantHaven International has represented for so many years. It has exceeded our expectations and excites us even more for what’s to come with PlantHaven 2.0!”

The new headquarters is within the Riviera Business Park, located at 2060 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 202, Santa Barbara, California 93103. The PlantHaven California Spring Trials location will also have a new home located at the Santa Barbara Polo Club.