We asked each of our scientists to give us their thoughts on their professions and what they think the future holds for humanity.

What would you recommend for students wanting to pursue a similar career?
After 45 years of sugarcane farming I strongly recommend a career in another profession. There appears to be little hope of sugar prices rising to a level which would provide a decent income for young farmers to raise families and educate their children. Woolworths and others like them can survive on small profit margins – farmers cannot.

What do you like best about your profession?
Sugarcane farming has provided me an excellent lifestyle in this day and age, given me an opportunity to work in harmony with nature, always remembering that my farming practices can impact on the land and waterways and people around me.

What makes you most fearful for the future?
I fear that the processes we have put in place to address environmental degradation of our world are too little too late. Time is running out!

What makes you most hopeful for the future?
Agricultural practices are changing for the better worldwide especially in developed countries. I'm hopeful that farmers will accept their role in causing land and water degradation to a large part of this planet and that they and governments of this world will accelerate efforts to make farming more sustainable.