The rapid development of organic agriculture on a global scale has led to an increased

inclusion of producers in developing and transitional countries in the organic food

chain. In order to enhance the theoretical frame for the analysis and understanding of

the impact that inclusion in the organic food chain has on producers and their families,

an analysis was conducted of the use of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA).

The SLA provides a holistic and integrative approach which researchers can use as

the overriding frame for their research. The application of the approach is

recommended as it enables us to maintain important elements of the sustainability

vision, yet emphasises that a number of assets influence farmers' livelihoods and it

maintains the focus on salience, legitimacy, and credibility in the research.