A RESEARCH project to look at how to get more South West food and drink onto the table was launched this week.

West Devon businesses involved with food and drink are invited to take part in an online survey which explores supply and distribution of local produce.

Led by the Food Team, the project is supported by the industry‚ strategic business body South West Food and Drink.

Kath Gigg at The Food Team said: 'If your business sources locally produced food and drink, either as a retailer, processor, wholesaler or foodservice business we need to hear from you.

'We want to find out how easy it is for businesses to source food and drink, grown or produced locally and then look at ways to overcome any obstacles in the supply chain.'

The research project is one of ten managed by SWFD and funded by South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA).

In total, about 1,000 food and drink supply chain businesses are involved in this drive to make local produce more available in the South West's major towns and cities to the benefit of consumers, the local economy and the environment.

Funding for all projects totals £695,000 and SWFD estimates that the investment will generate a further £1.7-million in direct, match and aligned funding.

In the second phase of the project the Food Team will hold a series of seminars for selected business owners in the Bristol and Taunton areas.