DUBLIN, IRELAND - Dole Food Company released the following statement in remembrance of its former Chairman and CEO, David H. Murdock.

With heavy hearts we share the news today of the June 9 passing of David H. Murdock, former owner, Chairman, and CEO of Dole Food Company at age 102.

David H. Murdock stood apart— a singular force in American business—a self-made billionaire, visionary entrepreneur, and enduring advocate for health, longevity, and innovation.

As our guiding star from 1985 to 2020, Mr. Murdock transformed the global produce landscape through bold investments, science-driven leadership, and an unwavering belief in the power of nutrition.

He took over the Hawaii-based company Castle & Cooke in 1985, which owned Dole Food Company. Driven by the devastating loss of his wife Gabriele that same year he devoted his life to nutrition and healthy eating as the cure for cancer and life extension.

His vision and commitment to scientific discovery and product development as it relates to human health, nutrition, longevity and agriculture was unprecedented, building and funding collaborations with universities, corporations and healthcare organizations to better understand disease prevention through lifestyle, diet and exercise regimens. He established the Dole Nutrition Institute to “Feed the World with Knowledge” and advocate the benefits of a plant-based diet in promoting health and wellness.

Under Mr. Murdock’s leadership, Dole became an iconic brand and one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables, with a singular mission to improve people’s eating habits. Often illustrating the point by saying, “We take better care of the maintenance of our cars than we take care of the maintenance of our bodies.”

Today, Dole continues his legacy with our mission to Make the World a Healthier Place.

“Mr. Murdock’s influence extended far beyond agriculture; his philanthropic efforts in science research, sustainable development, and education have left a lasting imprint on our business and the food industry,” states Johan Linden of Dole Food Company. “Driven by passion, curiosity, and an uncompromising standard and work ethic, he truly exemplified what it means to be a titan of industry with a legacy rooted in both business and purpose. It had been my privilege to work closely with him during my career with Dole.”

“It is never too late to change the way you eat - once you do, your body will thank you with a longer and healthier life.”
~ David H. Murdock

WASHINGTON - In a statement, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) joined nutritionists and scientists in raising concerns about the Environmental Working Group’s latest publication.

"The claims in this report are not only misleading — they’re dangerously counterproductive to our nation’s public health goals. Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet and one of the most effective tools we have for preventing chronic, diet-related diseases. Yet, today, 90 percent of Americans fall short of the recommended daily intake of these essential foods — a public health crisis we can and must urgently address.

"Does it make sense to discourage people from eating produce? This kind of unfounded rhetoric harms consumers and unfairly threatens the livelihoods of American farmers, who work tirelessly to grow safe, nutritious food for their communities. Baseless attacks on fruit and vegetable growers only undermine efforts to improve diets in a country where 70 percent of what we eat is ultra-processed, and where chronic disease costs our economy more than $1 trillion annually in healthcare and lost productivity.

"Federal agencies rigorously review crop protection tools through science-based processes to ensure their safety. The authors of this report know — but conveniently ignore — that the USDA’s Pesticide Data Program consistently finds that produce sold in the U.S. meets or exceeds the EPA’s strict safety standards.

"Rather than sowing fear, we need a national, coordinated effort to increase fruit and vegetable consumption — and empower farmers to keep providing abundant, affordable, and safe produce for every American table.

"At IFPA, we remain committed to working alongside farmers, health professionals, and policymakers to build a food system that supports healthier communities and a thriving, resilient agricultural economy for all."

More information and peer-reviewed research related to pesticides and produce can be found at safefruitsandveggies.com.

For recipes and other educational tools to encourage the consumption of nutritious produce go to fruitsandveggies.org.