Rome food protests

The global food crisis is estimated to be pushing 100 million people to hunger.

The UN is searching for solutions and is hosting a meeting in Rome where some 40 heads of state will discuss the challenge.

These protesters are setting up their own alternative summit in the Italian capital.

They are here to represent the world's small farmers and they are calling for a rethink of the global food system.

SOUNDBITE (English) PAUL NICHOLSON EUROPEAN CO-ORDINATOR OF THE NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION "VIA CAMPESINA", SAYING:

"We are stating that this model of free trade has caused hunger and has caused poverty in the rural world and now also in the cities. The food crisis is a consequences of leaving all food in the hands of the trans-nationalist."

The protesters want policy initiatives that will force necessary changes in food production.

The FAO hopes the summit will come up with concrete solutions.

For millions around the world that's a priority.

In poorer states people spend more half their income on food compares to just 10 percent in other countries.

Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri, Reuters