ROME, June 5 (Xinhua) -- World leaders at a UN summit on the global food crisis sought Thursday to find a compromise on a common response to soaring food prices.

    In a draft declaration, obtained by Xinhua, delegates from 151 countries at the Rome talks were expected to vow to "use all means to alleviate the suffering caused by the current crisis, stimulate food production and increase investment in agriculture."

    The three-day summit, hosted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was called at a time when the world is experiencing a dramatic increase in food prices.

    Agricultural commodity prices have risen sharply in the past two years, taking a particularly steep upward turn in the first three months of 2008.Foodstuffs such as rice, corn and wheat have all reached record highs, sparking riots in many countries and worsening the situation of the 850 million people already affected by chronic hunger.

    Though everybody is committed to "eliminating hunger and to securing food for all," world leaders were still wrangling on a common strategy to tackle soaring food prices as they entered their final day of talks Thursday.

    Biofuels proved to be the sticking point, with the growth of biofuel production, notably in the United States, the European Union and Brazil, widely blamed for the food price hike.

    An FAO report said the growth of biofuel production in the face of record-high oil prices is a factor contributing to higher food prices.

    The draft declaration tended to take a mild tone by saying biofuels present both "challenges and opportunities" and noting more research is needed.

    "We are convinced that in-depth studies are needed to ensure the production and use of biofuels is sustainable ... taking into account the need to achieve and maintain food security," according to the draft, which was liable to change.

    Attacked as a talking shop, the summit was not meant to come out with promises of aid or new global policies, but the talks could set the tone for a globally concerted effort to ensure food security.

    In a keynote speech to the summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon mapped out a twin-track strategy in response to the global food crisis.

    He called for emergency aid to help the most vulnerable in the developing countries and urgent distribution of seeds and fertilizers, to boost food production in time for this year's planting seasons.

    In the long run, Ban said the world needs investment to revitalize agriculture, calling on rich nations to help poor countries where productivity gains have been low in recent years.

    "The world needs to produce more food," he said, "Food production needs to rise by 50 percent by the year 2030 to meet the rising demand."

    The UN chief said Wednesday that as much as 15 billion to 20 billion U.S. dollars would be needed yearly to boost production in the fight against the food crisis.

    He also called for immediate lifting of export restrictions that have imposed by some countries to safeguard their domestic food supply, urging rich nations to open markets for agricultural products and eliminate farm subsidies to allow room for agricultural development in developing countries.