http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=52687

Atlantic Sugar Mill Set to Close

9/6/2005 11:34:00 AM

To: National Desk

Contact: Gaston Cantens of Florida Crystals, 561-366-5100

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 6 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Atlantic Sugar Mill, located near Belle Glade, is set to close its doors and will not operate for the 2005-2006 crop.

The mill’s board of directors was forced to make the decision, because foreign sugar imports under the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are forcing cutbacks in domestic productions, and Atlantic lacks sufficient cane to maintain its efficiency.

The sugar cane grown by the 17 farmers from Atlantic Sugar Mill will be processed at Florida Crystals Corporation’s two other mills, Okeelanta Sugar Mill and Osceola Sugar Mill, in western Palm Beach County.

Atlantic employees will receive severance and other benefits.

http://www.usnewswire.com/