ORGANISERS of agricultural shows in North Yorkshire are on a knife-edge, awaiting new directions from the Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Simon Midcalf, secretary and treasurer of the Yorkshire Federation of Show Societies said that after all last year's farming and livestock shows were called off because of the foot-and-mouth crisis, show societies are anxious to have successful events this year.

But movement restrictions are still in place, which could affect exhibitors, particularly those showing sheep.

Mr Midcalf said that show officials are waiting for licence conditions and it is understood that a bio-diversification officer will be allocated to each show where there are livestock classes.

"There will be stringent conditions on disposing of animal waste to prevent any recurrence of the disease" he said.

The federation is hoping to have full details of any restrictions by the time it holds its annual meeting in the next few weeks.

Most shows - some of which date back over a century - were hit hard financially last year because they had relatively small reserves.

Mr Midcalf said Defra had said it would be reviewing the situation in May, by which time some early shows would already have been held, and most others would be well advanced with their plans.