Dole Announces That It Will Discontinue the Use of Paraquat in Its Agricultural Operations

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 USD 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.