On January 22, 2009 The International Year of Natural Fibres will commence in Rome at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

The FAO defines natural fibres as “those renewable fibres from plants or animals which can be easily transformed into a yarn for textiles." The goals of the International Year of Natural Fibers are:

raise awareness and stimulate demand for natural fibres;

promote the efficiency and sustainability of the natural fibres industries;

encourage appropriate policy responses from governments to the problems faced by natural fibre industries;

foster an effective and enduring international partnership among the various natural fibres industries.

Those of us who spin, weave, crochet, knit and the like know the wonder and benefit of natural fibres. Make a goal this year to introduce and educate someone about natural fibres. This is the year to do it!

For more information on this special year, click here.