"The overall objective of the project is to collect and analyze new data on non-tariff measures (NTMs), particularly on governmental standards and regulations that prescribe the conditions for importing agri-food products into the EU market and into the markets of the main competing players. Furthermore, impacts from EU NTBs on least developing country (LDC) exports are examined. The project will deliver the following results: 1. An analytical framework for defining measures, methods, products and countries. 2. A data base on NTMs in EU, USA, Canada, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Russia and New Zealand. 3. Comparative analyses on the impact of NTMs on agri-food trade of the EU. 4. Policy recommendations from case studies for quantifying NTMs on fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy trade clusters with the EU. 5. Policy recommendations from case studies on the impacts of EU private and public standards in LDCs. 6. Dissemination of project results to key stakeholders. This will be achieved: A. By optimizing complementarities of the project with ongoing NTM research on the TRAINS data base at UNCTAD. B. By organizing the research work in research, database, management and dissemination work packages. C. By developing research methodologies that are innovative and robust, optimizing the direct usefulness of the end results for the end users. D. By proposing a partner consortium that together reunites the relevant needs, for: • Scientific excellence and international project experience • Appropriate geographic coverage to collect the required data in all countries • Linkages and complementarities with ongoing international NTM analyses (UNCTAD, OECD, World Bank, IFPRI) • Policy contacts, dialogue and influence • Efficient and effective project management E. With a budget of 314.5 person months, 2.372 M€ EC request, for 19 partners, over 30 months."