CONTACT:

Tandelyn Daniel

Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF

Director of Communications and Member Relations

Phone: 404-765-0991 | Email: tandelyndaniel@federation.coop

February 15, 2023

DARREN BEACHEM PROMOTED TO

ALABAMA STATE COORDINATOR

EAST POINT, GA. - The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund proudly announces that Darren Beachem was promoted to State Coordinator of Alabama this year.

In this new capacity, Beachem serves as a member of the FSCLAF Executive Team and is responsible for implementing programs and activities focused on cooperative economic development, land retention, and advocacy in Alabama. He will accomplish this by managing a diverse team of outreach specialists, forestry specialists, co-op development specialists, and support staff. 

Beachem, a third-generation farmer from Union Springs, Alabama has always been fascinated with the legacy role Black farmers have played in the management and development of the land. Making the decision to pursue a career in agriculture came naturally to him even before he realized all the opportunities the field offers. Having grown up in the eastern black belt region of Alabama, Beachem has a deep appreciation for the peace and solitude of nature. His family produces livestock, grow and harvest crops produce, and hay.

He joined the Federation nearly 2 years ago as a Forestry Outreach Specialist and his commitment to serving our membership has proved to be invaluable to the organization.

Beachem is now charged with supporting individual member farmers, landowners, and cooperatives, as well as coordinating the activities of the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives (ASAC)- a state association of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund - originally organized in 1972.

"The Federation has a policy of promoting from within whenever possible", said FSC/LAF Executive Director, Cornelius Blanding. "That approach allows both our staff and members to benefit from the knowledge and skills acquired over time while ensuring the sustainability of our organization. Darren exemplifies the spirit of the organization’s mission and is already serving the Federation well in his new role."

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund is a 56-year-old cooperative association of black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives.

Our mission is to be a catalyst for the development of self-supporting communities through cooperative economic development, land retention, and advocacy. We envision sustainable rural communities supported by a network of farmers, landowners, and cooperatives based on local control and ownership.