The farming industry and the halal sector are being urged to forge better relationships as the Muslim population, and demand for quality lamb, increases.
This was the key message from an AHDB halal stakeholder event held at Beeston Hall farm in West Yorkshire, which helped farmers and the Muslim community establish a common understanding of each other’s requirements. 
John Royle, chief livestock advisor from the NFU said there is already significant demand for domestic lamb in both domestic and overseas halal markets as around 40% of Muslims currently eat lamb.
Host farmer, Rachel Hallos, pointed out the importance of understanding the needs of the market and local areas.
“We, as farmers need to have an appreciation of important dates in the Muslim calendar so then we can produce a product depending what is required. Lamb produced in the UK is of the highest quality and it is our job as food producers to highlight this to all potential markets.”
It was a point echoed by Rafik Adam, chief executive of enterprise4all, which aims to strengthen communities through enterprise, education and employment. 
“Events like this are the starting point of bringing the halal sector and agriculture closer together,” he said. “Rural communities are currently under served and it is important that Muslim consumers understand more about farming and how the food they eat is produced. It is essential that we bring all areas of the community together; consumers, suppliers and producers all need to learn from one another.”