Professor Reeves is a global authority on the development of sustainable agri-food systems for food and nutritional security in both the developing and industrialised worlds. His achievements have been recognised by his peers with recent awards of a Doctor of Agricultural Science (hon causa) University of Melbourne; the Donald Medal; and the Farrer Medal.

Throughout his several roles in the Victorian Department of Agriculture, Professor Timothy Reeves has had a major impact on agriculture, particularly on improving farming systems in South East Australia. His enthusiasm for research, development and technology transfer has stimulated scientists and encouraged farmers to meet technical, economic and sustainability challenges. Appointed Foundation Professor of Sustainable Agricultural Production at the University of Adelaide, Reeves played a significant role in educating future generations of Australian agricultural scientists. Because of his technical, managerial and people skills he was appointed to and is currently Director General of CIMMYT, the leading wheat and maize breeding organisation in the world.