Simplifying Farm Audits: An Interview with the Founder of AgriAudit

28th March 2025 by Hayley Sellick

Farm audits are crucial for compliance, but burdensome for farmers. That’s where AgriAudit comes in. Founded by Tom Porter, a current Trainee on the MDS scheme, this innovative software is designed to simplify the audit process for farmers, removing the duplication across their various assurance schemes.

The Origin of AgriAudit

AgriAudit was born from Tom’s firsthand experience with the challenges of farm audits. Growing up on a family farm, he saw how time-consuming & frustrating the process could be. Recognising the need for a more efficient way to manage audit preparation, Tom and his team developed a platform with to streamline the entire process for farmers.

Although now part of the MDS scheme, Tom started working on a farm audit solution long before joining. His commitment to AgriAudit has paid off, with the platform gaining significant recognition – including winning £10,000 at the Regional EDGE Awards for innovative, high growth start-ups.

Interview with Tom Porter

We spoke to Tom about his journey in developing AgriAudit, and how the MDS scheme has helped him along the way.

How does AgriAudit address the challenges farmers face with compliance?

AgriAudit simplifies compliance by centralising all farm audits in one place. The intuitive application and web platform allows a seamless transition from traditional auditing methods, but without the duplicates. Instead of manually sorting through paperwork, farmers upload and name documents once, and AgriAudit automatically assigns them to the relevant audit spaces. The platform also keeps farmers up to date with frequent changes to standards, eliminating the need to track updates manually.

What has been the biggest challenge in developing AgriAudit?

The biggest challenge has been balancing simplicity with functionality, ensuring the platform remains intuitive while managing the complexities of various audit schemes.

What skills from the MDS scheme have helped you in your journey with AgriAudit, and how do you apply them to your work on the platform?

Exposure to different areas of a business – from operations to communication and marketing – has been invaluable. These experiences have helped me apply a structured approach to setting up AgriAudit, whether it’s chatting to farmers, planning with developers, or seeking funding opportunities.

In your opinion, how does the support and structure of the MDS graduate scheme enable young entrepreneurs like yourself to thrive while managing multiple projects?

The scheme’s rotational approach exposes you to different companies and roles, giving you a broad range of skills and experiences crucial for running a start-up. The guidance from MDS mentors has been second to none, and I’m incredibly lucky to have such brilliant support. MDS has taught me that with the right guidance and mentors, it is possible to balance multiple projects effectively.

Looking ahead, do you see yourself continuing to develop AgriAudit alongside future roles in agriculture, or do you see your path evolving into a different direction post-MDS?

Looking ahead, I’m unsure of my post-MDS direction, but AgriAudit has real industry impact potential. I’m passionate about its growth, excited for upcoming features, and committed to helping farmers. With this funding boost, AgriAudit is stronger than ever, and I’m eager to build on its success.

AgriAudit Wins Big at the EDGE Awards!

Winning a Regional EDGE Award is a huge milestone for Tom and AgriAudit. Out of 94 original applicants nationwide, AgriAudit not only made it to the final 12 for the regional final but also secured an incredible £10,000 in funding for additional features and software enhancements, thanks to a compelling pitch at the finals.

When Tom received the news, it was a huge moment. The recognition not only validates the hard work put into AgriAudit but also opens up exciting opportunities for the business going forward.

Winning the Regional EDGE award is an amazing boost for AgriAudit. It’s validation for all the work we have put in so far and knowing that the impact AgriAudit will have on farmers is being recognised means a lot. I’m delighted to be part of such a great initiative and can’t wait to carry on shaping AgriAudit around farmers feedback.

A man and a woman stand together, smiling at the camera, in front of a "Scottish EDGE" backdrop. The man, wearing a dark suit, striped tie, and light blue shirt, holds a wrapped object while the woman, dressed in a black coat with a green top underneath, also holds the object. They are at an awards event.

What’s Next for AgriAudit?

With £10,000 in funding, AgriAudit is set to expand its capabilities. The award will fund the development of new features, including an end-of-year audit module, minimising the upload requirements year-on-year. It will also boost marketing efforts, allowing AgriAudit to reach even more farmers and maximise its impact.

Looking Ahead

Tom Porter’s journey with AgriAudit highlights the power of innovation and the real difference it can make in agriculture. With this fantastic win, along with the timeliness of the software following the newly released Farm Assurance Review, AgriAudit is on track to seriously reduce the audit burden on farms. A huge congratulations to Tom and AgriAudit – this is just the beginning! We’re excited to see how the business evolves and continues to support farmers across the UK.