TRACTOR drivers at this weekend's Barley Saturday parade in Cardigan have received a boost that they will be able to run their machines on red diesel.
HMRC has recently backtracked over changes to rules on the use of red diesel which may have threatened the continuation of ploughing matches and charity tractor runs.
The legislation change, which was set to be introduced by the Treasury from 1 April, would have forbid the use of red diesel in vehicles for such purposes.
In his 2020 Budget speech, Rishi Sunak said the government would abolish the red diesel exemption for most sectors as it 'funds pollution'.
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- READ MORE: A look back at 2019's Barley Saturday parade
However, the Chancellor announced that it would be retained solely for agriculture, a strict definition which excluded ploughing matches or charity tractor runs.
The announcement was part of wider measures to ensure the UK reaches its net zero ambitions by 2050.
The government confirmed last month, however, that it will back down over the changes following pressure by farming industry groups.
In 2008, the government tried to ban the use of red diesel in tractors which were being used to help with setting up agricultural shows but relented under pressure.
But organisers of ploughing matches and tractor runs had raised fears for the continued existence of their events due to the move.
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