In addition to embracing the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at its conventional production facilities, Dole has also moved forward with new and alternative growing methods that provide consumers with more choices.

Dole's organic program offers consumers an alternative to conventionally produced fruits and vegetables while continuing to meet the high standards of quality that Dole customers have come to expect. Dole has a demonstrated commitment to the organic food market. For example, the Company's Peruvian operations (known as COPDEBAN) are entirely organic and use environmentally sound and organic substitutes instead of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, in September 2006, Dole launched its latest organic facility, the Don Pedro Organic Farm in Colombia.

The farm employs nearly 300 workers and, when fully operational, is expected to produce an iincreasing number of boxes of organic bananas every year.

Dole's organic production areas are certified by internationally recognized independent certification agencies auditied and accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP), the European Union and the MAFF in Japan. In the United States, Dole's organic program is compliant with the USDA's NOP. In addition, Dole's North American ports have been certified as organic handling facilities since the inception of the NOP program.

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