Newcastle Uni praised for move to source from local farmers 3 February 2021 | Newcastle University students approved a motion to utilise local farmers to reduce food miles Newcastle University Students’ Union has been praised by the farming industry over its move to prioritise food sourcing from local farmers and suppliers. In a motion put before the body, which represents over 20,000 students, members voted to utilise local firms in a bid to reduce food miles and carbon footprint. It passed by some 88%. It comes as thousands of small businesses across the UK have stopped trading because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The motion read: "It is the moral duty of Newcastle University Students Union to support local businesses as this will help boost the economy of Newcastle and improve the livelihoods of residents of Newcastle.