In Memory of Michael Sligh

We deeply mourn the passing of Michael Sligh in November 2025. All those active in IFOAM over the past 20 years will certainly remember Michael. A part-time family farmer in the US for over 40 years, Michael joined IFOAM membership with his organisation, the National Organic Coalition, in 2008. Since then, he has been reliably present at the IFOAM Organic World Congresses and General Assemblies, passionately and relentlessly advancing the topics close to his heart, in particular social justice, the conditions of smallholder farmers, and organic integrity.

Michael’s involvement in the US organic debates was intense, being deeply involved in advocating for better US organic policies and regulations, but his sense of belonging to a global movement was also evident in everything that he did. He is one of those persons who clearly had the greater good of the global organic movement at heart. He gave so much to IFOAM processes and to IFOAM’s daughter company the IOAS over the past 25 years. Michael was still IOAS president at the time of his death last November.

Michael was not only a critical figure in the US and international organic movement. He was also one of the most pleasant people to be around and work with. Michael was gentle, wise, inclusive and funny. The organic movement owes so much to Michael’s passionate and constructive work, and we will miss him deeply.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and colleagues.