VEGETABLE prices have returned to pre-flood levels after spiking in January and February, according to an AusVeg spokesman.

AusVeg spokesman Andrew White said large volumes of fresh produce meant wholesale market prices were now at levels that would appeal to more consumers.

''Broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin and lettuce prices in particular are now at similar wholesale pricing levels to before the floods, and in some cases lower,'' he said.

''If you look at cauliflower wholesale prices in the Melbourne Market as an example, prices for a deck of that crop went as high as $33 each in March but have now returned to the more normal average price of $13 each.

''Iceberg lettuce wholesale prices went up to as high as $20 a carton in January, but are now back down to much more normal levels of $12 a carton. ''

Mr White said that while growers would still feel the impact of the floods for many months, many were finally starting to get back on their feet from an operational perspective.

''Contrary to some commentary on the last consumer price index data with regard to the March quarter, prices are now actually at very affordable levels,'' he said.

''The impact of the floods on prices was only ever likely to be short-term and these new wholesale figures, which appear to be reflected at the retail level also, confirm our view that prices are down.

''Despite what the doomsayers said about inflation in the fruit and vegetable sector, this has not been the reality.''