January 2025 Federation staff gathered for strategic planning sessions, diving deep into how we will continue to serve our membership of Black Farmers, landowners, and cooperatives.

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund is committed to advancing cooperative development, land retention, and advocacy across the South to build stronger, more resilient communities. 💪🏾✨

#FSCLAFStaff2025 

This past October, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund ("the Federation") joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other partners for the announcement of the historic launch of the Southern Farmers Financial Association (SFFA). This new cooperatively-owned institution was created to increase access to capital for its member-owners to begin farming or strengthen existing small farming operations and agriculture-based businesses in high-poverty areas across the Southeast.

2024 was a year of Collective Impact. We are thankful for our engaged membership, growing staff, increased organizational capacity, and continued support from partners and supporters that strengthen this institution and our communities. 

Over the past year, FSC/LAF has impacted:

• 21,000+ acres through forestry and climate-smart outreach

• 14,000+ acres of heirs' property with technical assistance and estate planning efforts

• 9,500+ Black farmers and landowners with programmatic outreach, education, and direct technical assistance

• 53 cooperatives with various cooperative development support, such as technical assistance with by-laws, direct infrastructure funding, feasibility studies, and business plans.

• 2,000 Black farmers by securing approximately $160,000,000 via USDA's Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP)

• 40 units of affordable housing with $100,000 in sewage system infrastructure upgrades.

James Wideman​, member-landowner

• Jan 13 Federation Live! Membership Monday Meet-Up

  • Noon EST  |  Virtual Session​

    • Members Register here

  • 7 PM EST Session

    • Members Register here

• January 15  Federation Live! In the Field Florida

  • 2 PM EST | Virtual Session ​

    • Florida Black farmers, landowners and cooperatives Register here​

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• The DFAP application period closed on January 17th, 2024.

• The DFAP application period will not reopen.​

• Do not be scammed into giving money to anyone to fill out a DFAP application at this time.

"I joined the Federation in November 2023 as a Field Accountant. I genuinely enjoy my role here, helping our members adopt and maintain effective record-keeping practices for their operations. In addition to my work with the Federation, I raise cattle in Central Texas, managing the daily operations of my family ranch. This hands-on experience allows me to connect with our members on a personal level, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their success."

Read our 2024 Impact Report