10.08.2007 - 02:01pm ET

(CSRwire) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - October 8, 2007 - Dole announced today that it is discontinuing the use of paraquat in its agricultural operations worldwide, by implementing an immediate phase-out program except in Costa Rica for Dole's pineapple operations where the targeted phase-out program extends to June 30, 2008. During the Costa Rica phase-out program, Dole will continue its practice of applying paraquat-containing herbicides only through mechanized equipment such as boom spray devices under supervised conditions.

"Dole's implementation of this phase-out program responds to developing marketplace conditions in Europe and elsewhere regarding the use of this herbicide, while also balancing needed compliance with the local regulatory requirements." stated David DeLorenzo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dole Food Company, Inc.

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 foods and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.

This release contains "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward looking statements, which are based on management's current expectations, are generally identifiable by the use of terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "intends" and similar expressions. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein include weather-related phenomena; market responses to industry volume pressures; product and raw materials supplies and pricing; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; economic crises and security risks in developing countries; international conflict; and quotas, tariffs and other governmental actions. Further information on the factors that could affect Dole's financial results is included in its SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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