Four days a week in the summer, Lawrence McDonald loads up his 1997 red Ford pick-up truck and heads into town. When he arrives, usually a chorus of friendly greetings, handshakes and anticipation are awaiting him, in part because McDonald is the proprietor of Quindocqua Farms, one of the region’s only certified organic farms. The approbation seems well placed, for to be such a farm is apparently no mean feat. “The soil must be fallowed for at least seven years before the farm is eligible for federal organic certification,” said McDonald. “Additionally, the U.S.D.A. has very strict mandates in terms of applied techniques as well as seed variety and history, then follows it up with annual inspections to ensure compliance.”   The result is produce that is ostensibly much better for your body than the conventional alternative, yet more distinct and even more flavorful.   “I like to think my produce possesses more personality and characte... » Click here for the full story.

For those of us who kick ourselves when learning about the latest and greatest idea because we should have thought of it first – here’s another one. Only if you’re a wine enthusiast, your kicks are about to become leaps for joy.   The local story begins with the Worcester County Liquor Board (LCB) acquiring the exclusive distribution rights to Ninety+ (Plus) Cellars wines. What makes Ninety + so special is their unique business model which provides wine lovers the opportunity to buy premium, otherwise highly-priced, bottles for under $15. “The value presented in these wines is the result of the current recession. In good times, there is no oversupply of premium estate wines, but the current economy means that people are buying less wine and these producers have excess inventory,” said Brian Sturgeon, Sr., Executive Director of the Liquor Control Board.   Latitude Beverage Company, the parent company of Ninety+, purchases the oversupply of... » Click here for the full story.