Michael Sligh
We are very saddened to announce the passing of our President, Michael Sligh, on Friday 7th November 2025, after a short illness. Michael touched so many lives with his dedication to organic farming, his wisdom, his humanity, and his humor. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Janet, and his whole family.
I liked Michael Sligh an awful lot.
We served on the IOAS Board together for more than 10 years and he is one of the most pleasant people I have ever worked with.
Rikke Lundsgaard
Former IOAS Board member and lifelong organic enthusiast
Michael was first and foremost a good friend to both Annie and me. He and Janet visited us for a few days early in the year. It was a wonderful visit with lots of laughter.
Ken Commins
Former IOAS Executive Director
Michael has left us too early. He gave so much to IOAS and despite being officially ‘retired’, he still retained boundless enthusiasm and commitment to growing organic agriculture until he became ill early in 2025.
David Crucefix
Retired IOAS Executive Director
Consensus Man (by Jim Ford)
Michael liked to tie a bow
Michael had a plan
Michael was a listener
He sought consensus, man
Michael, The Farm’s farmer
Grew food for the world
Kept the soy crew stocked
While those around him twirled
Michael was a leader
With a gentle Texas drawl
His ear to the ground
Progress, even if a crawl
Michael wrote the “Green Book”
Captured visions and ideals
Put it on the record
How the movement feels
Organic action plans
Fair and just good food
Meeting after meeting
To which others now allude
Michael loved the mountains,
His dear wife and family
He made the world a better place
Earth love his legacy
Why Accreditation matters
Accreditation of certification bodies is an independent assessment of competence against agreed rules set by private or government schemes. IOAS is a specialist and leader in this role for organic and sustainability standards, providing confidence to buyers and consumers.
OUR SERVICES
We offer best-practice assurance services, including full accreditation, remote and on-site assessments, operator file reviews, witness audits, monitoring and oversight, as well as training for certification bodies and advice for regulators and scheme owners.
EXPERIENCE
BODIES
SERVICED
OPERATORS
TEAM
WHAT ACCREDITATION WE OFFER
IOAS has been providing organic and sustainable accreditation and assurance services worldwide for over 27 years and has earned the trust of the organic and sustainability community. We collaborate with a diverse range of partners and clients across multiple industries.
WHO WE WORK WITH
OUR GLOBAL FOOTPRINT
Operators & Certification Bodies
LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
Welcoming New Members to the IOAS Board of Directors
Go4Agri Certification Private Limited successfully achieves ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation for (EU) 2018/848 from IOAS
European Commission – New Roadmap of scheduled amendments to secondary legislation
What our clients & collaborators have to say
Such feedback attests to the quality expertise, competence and conduct of our team
We were very pleased to meet and work with IOAS. Our assessor performed their work with high level of professionalism. It was really useful to receive their feedback, all findings were based on facts and scheme requirements. - (November 2023 assessment)
The assessor ‘s professionalism and expertise to detail have truly made a significant impact on our operation. Very clear explanation and can understand the local situation and practice.
We have been working with IOAS since 2020 for our COSMOS accreditation. IOAS is an accreditation body with much assessment experience. Assessments are done in a professional manner and communication is fast and accurate. Both the assessors and supporting staff are very friendly and always willing to answer questions.
The IOAS Assessor's professionalism and expertise to detail have truly made a significant impact on our operation. Very clear explanation and can understand the local situation and practice. - March 2024
We are very pleased to have a long-term relationship with IOAS. You are not only our AB, but also have been guiding and helping us grow. Many thanks to IOAS for accepting some of our demands. It is our honor to continue to be supervised by you. - March 2025
IOAS demonstrates excellent clarity in timelines and responsiveness. Their website is exceptionally well-structured, providing comprehensive and transparent information that greatly supports applicants throughout the accreditation process.
The IOAS Assessor's professionalism and expertise to detail have truly made a significant impact on our operation. Very clear explanation and can understand the local situation and practice.
Our auditor, was on time, professional, easy to communicate with, highly proficient in assessing information presented, patient, and friendly. Their exit interview included presentation of her findings and was willing to listen to our point of view. Their auditing abilities and professionalism should be the model of what a professional auditor should strive to become. - (July 2023 assessment)