Surya Organics Closes Initial Funding Round and Commences Operations in Charleston, South Carolina

Naturally-based products offer better yields, competitive pricing and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers

Charleston, SC – October 29, 2008 – Surya Biofertilizers, LLC, a privately held company, offering proven, safe, environmentally-friendly fertilization products, is today announcing it has commenced operations in Charleston, SC. Surya offers competitively priced, higher-yielding and pathogen-free alternatives to synthetic fertilizers for the agriculture, turf, nursery, landscaping and land reclamation industries. The funding for Surya Organics is comprised of Charleston-based investors, led by Jonathan Butler, co-founder of Automated Trading Desk.

"The introduction of clean and green technologies is the next wave of entrepreneurship," said Jonathan Butler. "Bringing environmentally friendly yet cost effective clean fertilizers to market provides benefits beyond just being green."

The agricultural community among others has been anticipating clean, sustainable fertilizers with greater yields, but higher costs and product quality have deterred many to adapt their fertilization methods until now.

"While alternatives to synthetic fertilizers have been available, none have been able to compete on price and quality while improving the overall physical condition of the soil prior to the introduction of Surya Biofertilizers," said Dannie Barteet, owner of Ravenswood Plantation Sod Farm, Johns Island, SC, one of the first agricultural companies selected to employ Surya Biofertilizers.

The introduction of Surya Organics to the US market is being facilitated by the Charleston Digital Corridor, a creative effort building the local knowledge economy. The introduction of this clean technology company, supporting agriculture, turf, horticulture, and consumer markets, represents the next phase of economic development of the Charleston Digital Corridor.

"It is important for our organization to identify technologies with promise and leverage our local professional network to build successful companies in Charleston that can ultimately grow into national brands," said Ernest Andrade, Charleston Digital Corridor Director.

Surya Organics' products are currently available directly through the company at www.suryagrow.com as part of a limited product rollout. Starting in 2009, Surya’s earth-friendly biofertilizers will also be available for sale through supply and distribution agreements with major industry retailers.

Surya Organics is a leading provider of organic, all-natural products developed to enhance plant growth by increasing soil fertility for home and commercial gardening. Surya's clean, non-chemical formulas are purely microbial and offer proven results that are environmentally sustainable and safe for use around people and pets. For more information, visit www.suryagrow.com.

Media Contact:
Jon Yarian
843.416.8870