Naturally Advanced Technologies Reports Stock Options Grant to CEO - Sets More Milestones...

Naturally Advanced Technologies Reports Stock Options Grant to CEO - Sets More
Milestones for Commercialization

PORTLAND, OR, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Naturally Advanced Technologies
Inc. (NAT, OTCBB: NADVF, TSXV: NAT), a pioneer in commercializing the use of
bast fibers including industrial hemp for use in casual apparel, performance
yarns, industrial filters and absorbent pulp and paper products, granted a
stock option to purchase up to 500,000 shares in the capital of NAT at an
exercise price of US$1.45 per share to Kenneth C. Barker, NAT's Chief
Executive Officer. Press release notice of this grant falls under standard
compliance requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Miljenko Horvat, Chairman of the board, stated, "We have an extremely talented
management team and it is our policy to employ stock options as incentive.
This year Ken has led the team in efforts that culminated in two significant
milestones: CRAILAR(R) trials for Organic Fibers with a leading U.S. apparel
brand and CRAILAR(R) trials for Advanced Materials with one of North America's
largest pulp and paper producers. We look forward to management driving to
commercialization with the goal of establishing commercial partnerships."
The stock option is dated October 14, 2008 and is subject to an 18 month
vesting schedule under the terms and conditions of NAT's existing fixed share
option plan. The options carry a three year term and expire on October 14,
2011.

About Naturally Advanced Technologies, Inc.

Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. is committed to unlocking the potential
of renewable and environmentally sustainable biomass resources from hemp and
other bast fibers. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Crailar
Fiber Technologies Inc., is developing proprietary technologies for production
of bast fibers, cellulose pulp, and their resulting by-products, in
collaboration with Canada'sNational Research Council and the Alberta Research
Council. CRAILAR(R) technology offers cost-effective and environmentally
sustainable processing and production of natural, bast fibers such as hemp and
flax, resulting in increased performance characteristics for use in textile,
industrial, energy, medical and composite material applications. The Company
is also a provider of sustainable, environmentally friendly fibers and fabrics
through its apparel division HTnaturals. Founded in 1998 in response to the
growing demand for environmentally friendly, socially responsible clothing,
the Company adheres to a "triple bottom line" philosophy, respecting the human
rights of employees, the environmental impact of the Company's operations and
fiscal responsibility to its shareholders. See www.naturallyadvanced.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor any regulatory authority accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed
"forward-looking statements". All statements in this news release, other than
statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of risks
and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from
those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information and
including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to: any market
interruptions that may delay the trading of the Company's shares,
technological and operational challenges, needs for additional capital,
changes in consumer preferences, market acceptance and technological changes,
dependence on manufacturing and material supplies providers, international
operations, competition, regulatory restrictions and the loss of key
employees. In addition, the Company's business and operations are subject to
the risks set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-KSB, Form 10-QSB and
other SEC filings which are available through EDGAR at www.sec.gov. These are
among the primary risks we foresee at the present time. The Company assumes no
obligation to update the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.

Investor Contact: Kirsten Chapman, Cathy Mattison, Lippert/Heilshorn &
Associates, (415) 433-3777, ir@naturallyadvanced.com; Media Contact: Summer
Facchini, Black Lab Communications, (503) 830-5983, blacklabcomm@gmail.com