Charity tractor runs and ploughing matches have been put in jeopardy with new changes to the use of red diesel writes Des Pugh.

In the 2020 Budget, it was announced that a planned reform of red diesel ‘entitlement’ would come into effect on April 1 2022.

The use of red diesel, or rebated fuel, was being restricted and businesses that previously used the lower taxed diesel would now have to use the white ‘road’ diesel.

Machines that previously used red, such as construction site machinery, diggers and dumper trucks, will no longer be able to use rebated fuel and a new smaller category of ‘excepted machines’ was created.

The move is part of wider measures to ensure the UK reaches its net zero ambitions by 2050.

Agriculture was among one of the ‘excepted’ professions and tractors would be exempt from the changes, which included allowing “vehicles used in agriculture” for cutting verges and hedges, snow clearance and gritting roads.

However, the UK government clarified that rebated fuel will not be allowed for use in tractor runs and ploughing matches as these events “wouldn’t be acceptable uses of red diesel.”

While it could be argued that ploughing matches are a form of agriculture and should stay exempt, the main purpose of tractor runs is for fundraising

A spokesperson for HMRC said: “Agricultural vehicles used for tractor runs would not be considered an accepted agricultural use, users will either need to consider using some vehicles for non-accepted use and others for accepted use, or use fully duty paid diesel for all uses.”

This means that any organised tractor run would require entrants having to flush out their diesel tanks and lines and fill up with white diesel.

The government says that these changes are designed to reduce the negative environmental impact of emissions and incentivise businesses to improve the energy efficiency of machinery.”

Sarah Prothero, a familiar face on the tractor run circuit with her restored 780 selectamatic David Brown said that tractor runs ploughing matches are purely in aid of charity fundraising not just for our enjoyment of taking part.

“it’s a massive shame that the turn-out of tractors on road runs will be halved if not more because people will not drain red diesel to put white in just for road runs resulting in the charities missing out, it will be a great shame for all involved.

In 2021, Monmouthshire hosted the 61st Welsh National Ploughing and Hedging Match 2021 at Llancayo Farm, near Usk, and drew entries from all over the country, putting the county of Monmouthshire firmly on the rural roadmap.

Llangattock-Vibon-Avel and District Ploughing and Agricultural Society organise various countryside events throughout the year with their annual ploughing match the headliner.

Secretary Julie Jenkins said: “We are very concerned about the impending changes to rules around use of red diesel. Our annual ploughing match in September attracts around 60 - 70 competitors and entries are likely to be affected. We are also likely to see fewer exhibits in the vintage tractor display on the day.

‘‘This also applies to our tractor road runs through which we have raised a considerable amount for charitable causes over the years.”