THE UMBRELLA organisation for regional food groups will support food and drink producers when Food From Britain closes next March.

The FFB Council agreed to close after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs cut its budget and said it would be zero by 2010-11.

FFB promotes British food and drink abroad and the closure was announced as exports are expected to break the previous £11bn record.

Now the Regional Food Group Alliance has said it will represent English food and drink businesses.

John Sheaves, chairman, said plans are being finalised to ensure seamless support and campaigning post-March 2009.

He said: "The alliance is recognised by FFB and Defra, and we have worked closely with FFB to support its national programme over the last few years.

"However, with the announcement by Defra, it is now time to look forward. The alliance can, and will, fill the void. We are already developing our strategy moving forward."

He praised FFB's "superb job"

in raising the profile and importance of the regional food and drink sector.

"It can now be left to the alliance to take activity forward, and to this end we look forward to fruitful discussions with FFB and Defra with regard to succession arrangements," said Mr Sheaves.

The groups include the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber and the North-East England Food and Drink Group.

Mr Sheaves said: "The alliance is the umbrella organisation for the groups, which have joined forces to ensure the co-ordination of national activity within the food and drink industry.

"It's been a crucial step in light of the news by FFB and will ensure we continue to fly the flag for regional and local food and drink, giving it a national and international perspective through the alliance."

The eight food groups were established by FFB in 1991 and now work with regional development agencies.

Together they work with more than 3,000 producers on business development, consumer awareness and public relations and have generated more than £20m extra business over the last 12 months - the plan is to double that figure.

The alliance website for interested businesses is at www.regionalandlocalfood.

co.uk.