South West Food & Drink is the "umbrella" trade organisation dedicated to the development of the food and drink industry throughout South West England. It was created to ensure that there is a coherent strategic approach to the sector and is funded by South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA).South West Food & Drink (SWFD) was set up in 2002 by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), which also presently funds the organisation. SWFD is based at Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter. The main focus for SWFD activity is on the food and drink processors and the marketing/distribution of products to their customers e.g. retailers and food service caterers. In other words, all the activities that take place after the farm gate through to the trade end user. The organisation employs 10 members of staff and is governed by a Board of up to 14 non-executive directors and observers most of whom are also directors of South West food & drink companies.