URGENT UPDATE: Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has issued a critical warning to agri-tourists contemplating selfies in Australia’s stunning flowering canola fields. Just announced, GPA emphasizes the immediate need for visitors to consider significant biosecurity risks and legal issues before entering private properties.
GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles stated that while the sight of golden canola crops during this season is breathtaking, the potential consequences of trespassing can be detrimental. “Tourists must respect farmers’ private property rights and adhere to biosecurity protocols,” he said. As the flowering season peaks, the GPA is sounding the alarm on the potential harm caused by careless actions.
Authorities report that entering a farmer’s field without permission is illegal and can lead to lasting economic impacts for farmers and the wider grains industry. Bettles urged visitors to think critically before stepping into crops, warning of the biosecurity threats posed by weeds, pests, and diseases that can hitch a ride on shoes or vehicles.
“Farmers don’t walk into homes and take pictures of backyards, so why do it on their fields?” Bettles remarked, emphasizing the need for mutual respect. Tourists are encouraged to capture photos from safe distances instead of trespassing, highlighting the balance between enjoying nature and protecting it.
The GPA noted alarming instances where vehicles have gotten stuck on farms, requiring farmers to intervene. “These vehicles can carry harmful biosecurity risks that tourists may not even recognize,” Bettles added. The call to action is clear: visitors must prioritize safety and biosecurity to prevent lasting damage.
GPA Chair Barry Large reinforced the importance of biosecurity, citing the anticipated 6 million tonne canola crop valued at approximately $5.2 billion this year. Large urges everyone to adhere to established guidelines to safeguard this vital industry. “For the sake of a few Instagram images, we can’t afford to jeopardize our productivity,” he cautioned.
The GPA’s Grains Farm Biosecurity Program, developed in collaboration with Plant Health Australia, has been instrumental since its inception in 2007. With officers in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia, the program aims to enhance biosecurity measures across the nation.
In the wake of this announcement, the GPA is promoting resources such as Farm Biosecurity Signs and Visitor Biosecurity Risk Assessment Tools to educate the public on best practices. Tourists can still enjoy the beauty of canola fields without compromising biosecurity by respecting property lines and adhering to safety guidelines.
Earlier today, a broadcast on SBS television highlighted the significance of agri-tourism while showcasing a property in Victoria that has created a designated cropping zone for safe photo opportunities. This initiative aims to minimize risks while allowing tourists to create lasting memories.
As the GPA continues to collaborate with government bodies and biosecurity experts, the message remains clear: the beauty of Australia’s agricultural landscape should not come at the expense of its health. Tourists are urged to share this message widely, ensuring that the allure of canola fields can be enjoyed responsibly and sustainably.
Stay tuned for further updates as the GPA works to enhance awareness and protect the integrity of the Australian grains industry.
