Builders using EMPIRE can receive "green" credits

Arcadia, Fl (April 29, 2008) - EMPIRE Turf^™, Florida's first greatly improved zoysiagrass, meets the Florida Green Building Coalition "Green Building" standards. This allows Florida builders seeking "Green Home Certification" to specify EMPIRE and receive certifying credits (Category Two: Water / Drought Tolerant Turf [2 points]). EMPIRE was designated because of its ability to reduce landscape water usage, its inherent pest resistance and its requirements for minimal fertilizer.

"Since EMPIRE's introduction to the market eight years ago, EMPIRE Turf has proven itself to be drought tolerant and pest resistant," said John Kiefer of E3 Building Sciences. "As a green and EnergyStar rater, I have inspected thousands of homes, and I believe that EMPIRE is the logical choice for any 'green' project."

Developed specifically for the unique southeastern environment, Empire zoysiagrass meets the F.G.B.C. "Green Building" standards and has a proven track record in the state of Florida. There are over 75,000 Florida homes already using EMPIRE with thousands more expected while water conservation remains a top priority in the Sunshine State. That's why the Green Builder Vision House Orlando 2008, a model of natural resource preservation, specified EMPIRE Turf for its lawn.

EMPIRE Turf is a medium-bladed, dark green zoysiagrass that features excellent wear tolerance, requires less mowing and chemical applications and is chinch bug resistant. More importantly, EMPIRE Turf allows the water supply to be shut off in severe periods of drought without the danger of permanently harming the lawn. EMPIRE's water-saving qualities are being backed up by independent research. In a recent study done by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), EMPIRE Turf was put into a 60 day drought simulator with other turf grasses and was rated the top zoysiagrass for drought recovery.

While research stands behind EMPIRE's performance, often times the best test is real-world applications. EMPIRE Turf has been specified in major developments across the state of Florida for its practical advantages. The Villages and Ginn Reunion Resort both chose to go with EMPIRE in an effort to stay on the forefront of environmentally friendly landscaping .

For more information on the FGBC and its approved products visit: http://www.floridagreenbuilding.org/db/?q=node/5363

As apart of an ongoing effort to help communities understand sustainable landscaping, we participated in the first XTREME Yard Makeover along with the SFWMD. By using drought tolerant plants, permeable pavers, programmable sprinkler systems with sensors, Empire Turf, organic fertilizers and even a homemade rain barrel the yard was transformed into a Florida oasis.

"This was a great event to be apart or, and we are very excited about the next one", Mike Pope, National Sales Manager of Bethel Farms, "maybe in Sarasota next year." Bethel hopes to bring communities together and educate homeowners on the benefits of Empire turf and other drought tolerant species. Visit the following websites for more information on sustainable landscapes and to see how you to can do your own XTREME Yard Makeover.

https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page?_pageid=3034,21168971&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL#x_save http://www.sustainablelandscapecouncil.com

April 24 & 25, 2008



On an emerald green field of Sapphire St. Augustine, members of the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative gathered at the end of April for the annual FSGC Field Day. This years gathering took place at Bethel Farms Ft. Pierce property. Representatives rolled in (or in one case, flew in) from across the state for 2008's get-together. From reel mowers and chemical distributors to turf rollers and harvesters, the Field Day showcased turf industry equipment from around the world. Demonstrations gave even better insight into the latest technology the industry has to offer. The day under the South Florida sun was not only informative, but as usual, the event was a great chance for the movers and shakers in the Florida turf business to talk face to face about the issues facing the industry today.

The big news of the day was the unveiling of the logo for the new St. Augustine, CaptivaTM. Captiva is resistant to chinch bugs and to the sod web worm. The release of the grass itself is expected in the near future. An exceptional barbeque lunch wrapped up the afternoon and brought the field day to a close. Congratulations on another successful exposition in 2008. Special thanks to Bethel Farms and to the board of the FSGC for all of their hard work and dedication.

For more information on the FSGC visit: http://www.floridalawn.com

Sarasota, Florida - Nov. 29, 2007 - Today we announce the formation of the Sustainable Landscape Council (SLC), an organization which will help to provide long term, sustainable solutions to the rising challenges facing the landscape industry. The Sustainable Landscape Council (SLC) is working together with companies with a national presence to foster the sustainable future of Florida's natural coast.

Our mission is to help set common sense, practical and cost effective environmental standards for the landscape industry before they become regulated. We will also provide education about environmentally sustainable landscaping products and practices which require less water usage, produce less chemical runoff, and preserve Florida's natural resources.

SLC sets standards and provides education about products and practices that meet the requirements of the many new policies and ordinances that are beginning to surface across the state, as well as nationwide. These products work together to build landscape environments which thrive in Florida's unique climate, reduce the strain on our natural resources, have a lower water consumption rate and far less nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, which decrease the potential negative impact on our waterways from chemical runoff.

Everyone has a stake in the health and well being of our natural resources. That means everyone also has a responsibility to respect and help protect our environment, and to preserve the unique lifestyle it provides to all of us. SLC will educate purchasers of landscaping products concerning environmentally sustainable practices and raises awareness of the environmental and financial costs associated with the continued use of traditional landscape practices.

Conventional landscaping practices no longer fit with the changing demands of our communities. In response to Florida's freshwater crisis, state and county governments are considering regulations which could restrict application of certain landscape products, as well as the use of certain practices. Therefore, the landscape industry requires leadership now to innovate its practices or it will be regulated. Trends contributing to the water crisis point to a need within the industry for education and awareness of environmentally sustainable landscape practices and products.

For more information regarding the Sustainable Landscape Council, please contact Laura Hunt, Marketing Coordinator at 800-226-3057, by email address at info@sustainablelandscapecouncil.com, www.sustainablelandscapecouncil.com. Or by mail at Sustainable Landscape Council, 1579 Barber Road, Sarasota, Florida 34240.

SARASOTA, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2007) -The public is invited to attend an educational symposium to demonstrate how to practice sustainable landscaping Thursday, Nov. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Sudakoff Conference Center at New College of Florida. The Environmentally Sustainable Landscaping Symposium will feature a variety of speakers who will address issues including environmentally sustainable landscaping practices, reduction of nutrient runoff from fertilizers and degrading of water quality in the Florida waterways.

Mike Pope, National Sales Manager for Bethel Farms will be a guest speaker at this event. His topic "Using Zoysia Turf - Finally a green solution to turf" will provide important information about sustainable turf grasses. Also offering insight into how you can maintain your turf lawn amidst many new county ordinances and watering restrictions.

Attendees will include landscapers, environmental professionals, ecologists, biologists, regulatory professionals, elected officials and other interested persons. Cost of the symposium is $20 per person and includes continental breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Four continuing education units (CEU's) for certified professionals will be awarded by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association for full-day attendance.

The Environmentally Sustainable Landscaping Symposium is sponsored by Florikan and Dynamite, complete plant food, in cooperation with New College of Florida.

The symposium will be held in the Sudakoff Conference Center at New College of Florida, 5845 General Dougher Place, Sarasota. For further information or to register, contact Cynthia Herleman at 941-377-8666, or cynthia.herleman@florikan.com.

Contacts: Cynthia Herleman, Florikan, at 941-377-8666 or cynthia.herleman@florikan.com Sharon Arnold, Gravina, Smith & Matte, at 239-275-5758 or sarnold@gravinasmith.com

Symposium Registration Form

Symposium Program Agenda

Symposium E-invitation

"Katrina stripped away not only roofs and lumber, but also a lot of the natural beauty in the area," states Bethel Farms Owner Kim Nugent. "What we are excited about is the opportunity to bring back that sense of life that comes with a vibrant green lawn. We want to see kids back outside and playing in their yards again."

For its part, Bethel Farms is donating the sod, Empire Zoysia turf, for the initial phase of the program. "We felt that Empire was the way to go, since its one of the newer grass varieties that has demonstrated good salt tolerance and requires minimum upkeep," states National Sales Manager Mike Pope. Katrina Cottages come in four different floor plans, and were designed to withstand winds up to 140 mph. With the exception of construction costs of building the home, HVAC and foundation materials required by local building codes, the cost of a Katrina Cottage at Lowes is virtually all-inclusive. "Between Lowes and all their vendor partners, this has developed into a great project that can provide real hope and opportunity for those impacted by Katrina," Nugent continues. A special press preview and ribbon cutting is scheduled for August 29th, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi with Governor Haley Barbour in attendance. For more information about the original Katrina Cottage, visit www.cusatocottages.com.

Bethel Farms is one of the nation's largest wholesale growers of sod grass, supplying the needs of homeowners, golf courses, theme parks and municipalities throughout the southeast United States. For more information visit http://bethelfarms.com Contact Information Mike Pope Bethel Farms http://www.bethelfarms.com or 863-494-3057 If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Please do not contact PR Web. We will be unable to assist you with your inquiry.

Bethel Farms has launched its new website and hopes everyone will be able to use it as a beneficial resource.