SOUTHERN GARDENS CITRUS ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

CLEWISTON, FL— August 24, 2005 — Southern Gardens Citrus announced today that Ricke A. Kress has been named President of Southern Gardens, one of the nation’s largest orange growers and processors.

Kress, who was selected after an extensive nationwide search, has 32 years of experience in the juice, fruit and commodities business, most recently as President and Chief Operating Officer for Northland Cranberries, Inc.

“We are very committed to the orange juice business, and we wanted to make sure that we had a leader committed to growth who is also experienced in all aspects of the business. Ricke Kress is that leader,” said Robert H. Buker, Jr., President and CEO, U.S. Sugar Corporation.

Joining Southern Gardens in mid-September, Kress will bring experience and expertise in juice processing operations, marketing and sales. Because of his efforts, Northland, a $100 million business, was able to sustain and strengthen vendor and customer relationships during times of transition.

“Southern Gardens has always impressed me. Since its inception, Southern Gardens has been a leader in all aspects of the orange juice business and is well positioned for the future. With a management team that’s as good as I’ve seen, I see a lot of opportunities for the company in today’s juice business,” said Ricke Kress.

Buker said that in selecting Kress, “We have chosen a leader who is interested in the long term growth and development of the citrus business and his values and business judgment are very compatible with our own. He has a proven track record in strategic development, cost reduction and improved profitability and is looking forward to working with our employees, customers and vendors.”

Kress has a B.S. in Food Science from Cornell University. He and his wife will be relocating to the area next month.