Clive Beddall DEFRA minister Lord Whitty is planning a high profile send- off for Food from Britain's recovery plan for UK food in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis. In a keynote speech in London on September 10, the food and farming minister will emphasise the government's determination to "get serious" to help FFB allay concerns of consumers at home and abroad in the wake of FMD. Sources close to government say Tony Blair and senior ministers are keen to "show solidarity for the hard-pressed food exporters" as the recovery plan is given a fast-track programme throughout the rest of 2001. Charlotte Lawson, FFB director of business and UK services, said this week: "There has never been a more challenging time for the food industry and its exporters in particular. "But we are determined to dispel the bad impressions gained by consumers at home and abroad as pictures of animal funeral pyres have dominated tv screens. "With the help of a battle fund' given to us by DEFRA, we aim to project the richness and diversity of British food in a positive manner." As reported on August 11 (p6), the government has handed FFB £3m of additional cash. Around £1.7m will be spent supporting regional speciality foods and £1.3m has been allocated to rebuild overseas sales for the country's hardest hit exporters. Lawson said several initiatives were planned in the UK, including supporting the relaunch of farmers' markets, most of which were closed by the FMD epidemic, as well as backing the efforts of the five regional food groups. FFB will also use Anuga, the world's biggest food fair, in Cologne in October to step up its international campaign to help UK exhibitors woo more overseas buyers. It also plans to make the prestigious FFB and HSBC Export Awards, staged in association with The Grocer in London in December, the biggest and best ever. Additional regional categories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been included this year. Lawson added: "The awards are a showcase for our food and drink exporters. We will be showing off the many successes our food and drink firms have gained overseas, despite the challenges posed by BSE and foot and mouth disease." Closing date for the awards is September 10 and interested suppliers should contact Fiona Pyne at Food from Britain. {{NEWS }}