[1] The proposal for this international year originated in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at a joint meeting of the Intergovernmental Group on Hard Fibres and the Intergovernmental Group on Jute in 2004, and was endorsed by FAO Conference in 2005.
It is one of many international observances declared for specific days, months and years.
The IYNF was intended to cover a wide range of natural fibres, of animal and vegetable origin, and with uses ranging from luxurious apparel to traditional and non-traditional industrial uses.
The IYNF was expected to raise the profile of such natural fibres.
Animal fibres include wool, hair and secretions, such as silk.