New app connects Tassie foodies with producers for fresh farm produce

The We Eat Local app launched in Tasmania on Wednesday and features more than 270 primary producers and independent grocers and retailers across the state.

In its first 24 hours online, more than 2000 people registered to use the app aimed at linking foodies direct to the farm gate.

Led by not-for-profit organisation Eat Well Tasmania, the app was launched in response to Tasmanians searching for new ways to purchase produce without the hassle of visiting a bustling supermarket.

Fresh produce such as vegetables, cheeses and meat including beef, lamb and pork are available through the free app at retail price.

While businesses look to adapt to the fluid coronavirus crisis, retailers and producers are offering a range of methods to access produce without making physical contact.

Eat Well Tasmania state director Leah Galvin said methods included click and collect pick-up - where produce is paid in advance - as well as home delivery.

"We're pretty much all foodies in Tasmania and we're very proud of our Tasmanian farmers so this is a great way to get more people eating locally-produced food," Ms Galvin said.

"It means that people can support producers and fresh food retailers during COVID-19 and still maintain social distancing at the same time."

The app uses a users' location and links them with grocers and producers nearby, allowing people to virtually explore the food on offer in their neighborhood.

"We've had a barrage of enquirers since we launched it particularly from primary producers which is great and we hope to upload most of them to the app in the coming days," Ms Galvin said.

Market gardener Michael Layfield, Felds Farm, Lilydale, Tasmania, said he had already received several enquirers since signing up.

"My wife and I were originally chefs and we have a strong connection with the hospitality industry down here ... and all of our hospitality sales have gone which makes up about 50 per cent of our business," he said.

"That being said with the coronavirus happening we have noticed an increase in demand for fresh produce and we've had a lot of new clients come to us since this pandemic started.

"We think this app will will help build our business and give us access to more people."

The application was developed in Australia three years ago and is available in other states.

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