Research debunks claim Australia may face coronavirus food shortages
Written by Anne Davies
Government agricultural body says low stocks of pasta, rice and flour are due to panic buying, not supply shortages
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The federal government’s agricultural research body, Abares, has sought to debunk fears that Australia could run out of basic foodstuffs such as rice and wheat, though it says it is possible there could be temporary disruptions to supply chains due to Covid-19.
An Abares paper released overnight on Thursday says fears of feed shortages are misplaced and that dwindling stocks of rice, pasta and flour on supermarket shelves are due to consumers panic buying and not due to any fundamental shortages.
Related: Don't panic, Australia. The coronavirus doesn't mean we'll run out of food | David Littleproud
Related: 'I’ve never seen it like this': why vegetables are so expensive in Australia at the moment
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