"Here in western Massachusetts, we are blessed," says Mark Lattanzi.

He's referring to the bountiful food:

• The dedicated farmers who grow organic crops.
• The organic cider produced by West County Cider in the town of Colrain, which has received national media attention.
• The rosemary, eight-grain, rye and country breads made from organic flours at El Jardin Bakery, an artisan baker in an inner-city Latino neighborhood, which operates as a community-development project and small-business training program.
• The old-time, traditional pickle maker who produces delectably fermented cucumbers, sauerkraut and kimchee.

Japan and 40 other nations around the world halted importation of U.S. beef last year when a cow in Washington State tested positive for mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE).

Since Japan's discovery of its first case in 2001, it has tested every cow for the disease before allowing it to enter the food supply. Until recently, the Japanese government insisted that U.S. officials do the same if beef exports are to resume. After intense negotiations that lasted for months, Washington claimed Japan's requirement is expensive, unscientific and ineffective, further convincing the Japanese that cows younger than 20 months are not at risk for BSE, don't need to be tested and are thus safe for human consumption. Is this truly a safe assumption?

Japan confirmed its 14th case of mad cow disease in October 2004-the second confirmed case in one month. Both cows were older than 20 months. Are Japan's tests truly unscientific and ineffective, having discovered 14 BSE cases and thereby preventing tainted meat from entering the food supply?

In the November 2005 elections, residents of Marin County, Calif., overwhelmingly voted (62%) to ban the planting of genetically engineered (GE) crops and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their region.

Marin joins California's Mendocino County-the first U.S. county to pass such a ban, back in March-in an effort to fight the profit-driven biotechnology industry and halt a dangerous agricultural practice. Other counties in the state are expected to follow suit.

Wine pairin

gs provided by Bruno Allaire and Sante Losio of Dynamic Imports Corp.

Braised Organic Lamb Shanks on Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Wild Mushrooms

Cabernet Franc 2001 - Yorkville Cellars

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, and Christmas music is already wafting through supermarkets and local malls. The message is clear: "Start shopping now!"