HEAT and flooding are having a significant impact on the availability of fresh food.

According to Woolworths, supplies and quality of bananas, leaf vegetables, stonefruits, apples, pears, strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes are all expected to be affected.

Woolworths fresh produce general manager Michael Batycki has warned consumers to expect price rises for many of these products due to short supply.

“In Victoria’s Werribee area, leaf vegetable products have been severely affected and supply will be low for up to eight weeks,” Mr Batycki said.

“We have some supplies of leaf vegetables from our farmers in other regions, but supply will be interrupted and prices higher than normal for a couple of months.

“In North Queensland, the floods have affected bananas with some of our farmers losing a significant proportion of their crop, while others have been unable to reach their properties.”

In some cases the appearance of fruit and vegetables, such as colouration of gala apples, william pears and potatoes, may be altered, but Mr Batycki said eating quality would be unaffected.

“Consumers can expect to see full-coloured tomatoes that are a little softer than usual therefore we suggest consumers buy daily,” he said.

“Eating quality will be excellent and full flavoured.”

Mr Batycki said Woolworths was committed to supporting its farmer suppliers.

“Our farmers in Queensland and Victoria are experiencing disasters that are worlds apart but they all need our ongoing support,” he said.

“Woolworths will continue to work with our farmers to sell what product we can in our stores to ensure stock does not go to waste.”

Woolworths has donated $1 million to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal and $150,000 to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Appeal.  Next Friday, February 20, all profits made by Woolworths supermarkets nationwide will be donated to the Country Women’s Association.