WASHINGTON–The International Year of Natural Fibers, a program of the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization, will debut in Rome on Jan. 22.
The program is geared toward raising public awareness of natural fibers as alternatives to synthetic and petroleum-based textiles, according to a statement from the U.S.-based Hemp Industries Association. It consists of a year-long series of events throughout the world that will promote the support of farmers of natural fibers and industries that use these fibers.
In the statement, the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization said, “The main objective of the International Year of Natural Fibers is to raise the profile of these fibers, to emphasize their value to consumers while helping to sustain the incomes of the farmers. Promoting measures to improve the efficiency and sustainabilty of production is also an important aspect of the year.”
