My Sound Adventure in the Agro-Food World

I’ve come back from the Scientific and Technological Research Center of Extremadura (CICYTEX)—and let me tell you, it was a ride.

Picture this: a room full of scientists in lab coats, expecting to hear about pesticides or soil health, and instead, I hit them with… sound waves. Yes, we’re talking about how music can revolutionize the agro-food industry. Think Beethoven for your broccoli or Mozart for your milk. Sounds crazy? Wait till you hear the data.

Growing Crops with a Beat

Here’s the deal—plants listen.

They may not have ears but expose them to the right frequencies, and they start growing. I showed the scientists studies where spinach, wheat, and even rice grew stronger and healthier when serenaded by sound.

It’s like giving your crops a morning pep talk, but instead of words, it’s music. And the kicker? No chemicals, no pesticides. Just good vibes.

Happy Cows Make More Milk

Did you know playing soothing classical music can increase milk production by over 12%? That’s right—Bessie loves Bach. And it’s not just cows.

Chickens listening to soft tunes pack on weight faster. Essentially, these animals are like us when we hit the gym with a killer playlist—only instead of lifting weights, they’re lifting productivity.

The Soundtrack of Flavor

The sound around you can actually change how your food tastes.

High-pitched sounds make things taste sweeter, low tones bring out bitterness. Think about that next time you’re sipping coffee or wine. Restaurants are already catching on, curating soundscapes to enhance your dining experience. It’s not just dinner—it’s dinner with a DJ.

The Good, The Bad, and The "What Are We Waiting For?

The reaction? Fascination, mixed with a bit of disbelief. One scientist even said, “I’ve never thought about music like this for crops,” which, frankly, broke my heart.

Sound is cheap, accessible, and—best of all—it works. Yet, the field is practically a blank slate. Why aren’t we all tuning into this? One researcher told me she’s ready to test sound on her tomato crops.

Now that’s the kind of excitement we need!

Here’s the bottom line: Sound is this untapped superpower in agriculture and food science. And if you’re curious (you should be), grab a copy of my book, Sounds From Farm to Fork (And Back). It’s the full orchestra—how sound shapes every bite from the field to your plate.

In the meantime, don’t just let your Spotify boost your mood—let it boost your crops too.