Export restrictions "prolong and aggravate" the current global food crisis, the nations said in a statement, and "hinder humanitarian purchases of food commodities."

G8 countries -- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Britain and the United States -- also repeated their promotion of developing "the development of open and efficient agricultural and food markets ... with a view to minimizing the volatility of food prices and preempting future crises."

The industrialized countries also urged nations experiencing food surpluses to share with countries caught in food shortages.

The nations said they also would "look for opportunities to help build up local agriculture by promoting

local purchase of food aid."

The statement also reiterated the G8's commitment to international efforts to boost investment in agricultural productivity through technology, research and financial support.