1.   The farmers say that fear of being bought out will discourage future investment in their land.

2.   But he and other organic farmers say their livelihoods are being endangered by genetically modified, or GM, crops, which could cross-pollinate with organic food.

3.   Farmers say the only real relief is rain, and lots of it.

4.   More rain has fallen this year, and farmers say that has eased the need to irrigate some crops.

5.   Nakamura and other farmers say the latest invasion of American rice, which is consistently cheaper than Japanese rice, is the last thing they need.

6.   Farmers say there will insufficient hay for the winter, early potatoes will arrive too late, beetroot will have to be resown and rape growth will be retarded.