During the Covid-19 pandemic 1,170 Tasmanians were asked about their thoughts on locally grown food, including how important it is, how their perceptions had changed from the pandemic, where they bought produce and what they were eating.

University of Tasmania lead author Katherine Kent found that continued support for Tasmanian producers would assist with strengthening the local market, especially if food exports and international markets continue to be disrupted by Covid-19.

The key finding of the research was that 89 per cent of respondents valued Tasmanian produce. Up to 54 per cent of respondents said it was more important than before the pandemic, with 80 per cent buying fruit, 92 per cent buying vegetables, 70 per cent buying meat including 58 per cent buying Tasmanian chicken, 77 per cent bought Tasmanian eggs and 41 per cent bought seafood.

A majority of this produce at 77 per cent was bought from independent supermarkets and 65 per cent at supermarkets.

The survey found smaller numbers of respondents purchased their produce through local means, including 18 per cent at specialty shops, 16 per cent at farmers markets, 17 per cent through home delivery box schemes and farm gate sales, and 16 per cent from wharf sales.

Eat Well Tasmania state manager Leah Galvin said Tasmanians were asking to eat local food and wanted to support local business.

"We have long advocated for Tasmanians to eat locally sourced food because it is the freshest and highest quality, and if you eat in season it is also incredibly good value."