1.04.2008 - 10:18am ET

(CSRwire) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA – January 4, 2008 Dole Food Company, announced today that Dole Fresh Flowers has received the Florverde Certification at its farm operations in Colombia, South America. The Florverde Certification represents that its certified members grow their flowers in compliance with environmental , social , labor and occupational health and safety standards. In order to receive the Florverde® certification, participating farms must comply with all compulsory standards and codes of conduct, including operational and social guidelines. Certification is verified by an independent third party, SGS, a renowned international audit company based in Switzerland as stated by Florverde.

About Dole Food Company

Dole is committed to the quality of our products, sustainable environmental practices and the wellbeing of our 75,000 employees worldwide. Dole contributes generously to the communities where it operates around the world, promoting nutrition and health education as well as a healthier, more sustainable environment.

Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2006 revenues of $6.2 billion, is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut flowers. Dole markets a growing line of packaged and frozen foods and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.

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