Canola farmers in South Australia's Barossa Valley have criticised tourists for trespassing on their land and damaging crops in pursuit of photographs for social media. Farmer Matilda Lienert shared a video showing cars parked in her canola paddock and visitors wandering through the flowering fields, prompting other growers to report similar problems. The issue matters because it highlights growing tension between rural communities and tourism driven by social media, with farmers warning of crop damage, biosecurity risks and disregard for private property.

Lienert said visitors were approaching flowers too closely, entering crops, leaving gates open and picking flowers, describing the behaviour as disrespectful after a year's work invested in the fields. She also warned that trespassers' shoes could carry weed seeds or disease, posing a biosecurity threat beyond simple trampling. The video prompted a strong online response, with some criticising tourists for ignoring roadside viewing options, while others suggested farmers designate specific photo spots or install "no trespassing" signage to deter unauthorised access.