Company: Monsanto Co

(Reuters) - A group of U.S. seed, chemical and equipment companies will invest at least $150 million over the next few years into African agricultural projects and products, the companies said on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Buffeted by the euro zone crisis and distracted by political problems at home, the leaders of the world's industrial powers turned to the private sector on Friday to help fight hunger and malnutrition for up to a billion people struggling with shortages, droughts and rising food prices.

(Reuters) - A California initiative to require labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients appeared headed for the ballot in November after organizers said on Wednesday they had gathered nearly 1 million signatures in favor of the measure.

Stocks clawed back from earlier losses Wednesday, but still ended in negative territory for a second day, fueled by disappointment over the Fed's latest minutes and ongoing worries over the euro zone.

U.S. stock index futures were lower Wednesday despite a better-than-expected ADP jobs report, as investors remained disappointed after the Fed suggested further monetary stimulus was unlikely.

Food prices and security, threatened by weather-caused production declines and relentless rising demand, will be a key issue at the conference of world business, political and social leaders.

Stocks rebounded from earlier losses to finish narrowly mixed Thursday, with the S&P adding small gains to the New Year rally, ahead of a key government employment report. Stocks had been under pressure earlier in the session amid ongoing jitters over the European debt crisis and a decline in the euro to its lowest level since September 2010.