United Nations Radio

The High-Level Summit on the Global Food Crisis concluded in Rome Thursday with a call for the international community to increase assistance for developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and those most negatively affected by high food prices.

A declaration at the end of the three-day summit says "there is an urgent need to help developing countries expand agriculture and food production and to increase investment in agriculture, agribusiness and rural development."

The declaration also calls for swift help for farmers in poor countries who need seeds and fertilizers in time for the approaching planting season.

On the contentious issue of biofuels, the declaration says "it is essential to address the challenges and opportunities posed by biofuels, in view of the world's food security, energy and sustainable development needs."

It calls for in depth studies to ensure that production and use of biofuels is sustainable and the need to achieve and maintain global food security.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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