A new survey being led by the University of Tasmania's Institute for Social Change will focus on food during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The survey, launched on Monday as part of The Tasmania Project, is asking Tasmanian residents whether they have been able to buy enough safe and healthy food to meet their needs during COVID-19, how they have shopped for food, and how food access and supply could be different in the future.
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It is a cross-university initiative, involving researchers in health, political economics, fisheries and aquaculture.
Institute director Libby Lester said COVID-19 had undoubtedly impacted Tasmanians' food access and supply.
"Important debates are underway about supply chains, levels of foreign investment and certifications schemes, all of which will impact Tasmania's future," Professor Lester said.
"The food survey will help researchers, industry and policymakers understand what Tasmanian residents want for the future in terms of food access and production in the state."
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The survey will be built on UTAS Centre for Rural Health researcher and project collaborator Katherine Kent's previous work which compared the perceptions and uptake of locally grown produce in Tasmania and the Bunbury community in Western Australia.
"Our previous research showed that Tasmanians prefer locally grown food but there are many barriers to buying it, one of which is not knowing the origins of the fruit and vegetables we buy," Dr Kent said.
"Strengthening our local food systems by buying Tasmanian grown food may be the answer to feeding us well and stimulating our local economy.
"The food survey will help us learn from this experience to make sure that Tasmania is well prepared for any crises or disasters in the future."
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies researcher and collaborator on the project Emily Ogier noted access to fresh seafood for Tasmanians changed during the pandemic.
"Crays previously exported to overseas markets have been sold to Tasmanians directly by the fishers and local oyster farmers have had to find new online ways to get their product to locals given the restrictions on retail food outlets," Dr Ogier said.
To participate in the survey, go to utas.edu.au/tasmania-project.
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