"The 2014 International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) aims to raise the profile of family farming and smallholder farming by focusing world attention on its significant role in eradicating hunger and poverty, providing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development, in particular in rural areas."

In illinois, family farms are a critical part of the growing local foods movement as many people of all ages and backgrounds are finding a new career in farming.  The University of Illinois Beginning Farming program trained 77 people across the state to begin farming.

Sign up for the 2015 course has begun and registrations are being accepted.