Aligned with the IOSCO Principles for Financial Benchmarks.
This version supersedes all prior public summaries. Future updates will be announced publicly in advance, with sufficient notice for users to adapt where practicable, and will be updated on the DCA Platform.
DCA Market Intelligence (DCA) is an independent organisation specialising in data and market information for agricultural commodity markets. We provide benchmark prices and market analyses that reflect genuine market conditions and enhance market transparency.
As a Price Reporting Agency (PRA), DCA administers benchmark prices across multiple agricultural sectors. These benchmarks are based on verified market information collected from professional market participants and are designed to reflect actual trading behaviour and representative market levels.
This methodology follows the principles and good practices set out in the IOSCO Principles for Financial Benchmarks, ensuring independence, transparency, and integrity in every assessment.
DCA publishes more than 90 benchmark prices across key agricultural and food sectors, all following a unified methodological framework.
Benchmarks under the Cheese, Dairy Powders, Dairy Liquids, and Milkfat categories are developed and administered in full alignment with the IOSCO Principles for Financial Benchmarks. These benchmarks are operated under DCA’s internal IOSCO alignment framework and are being prepared for formal external assurance. They represent the first benchmark suite within DCA’s roadmap toward full IOSCO compliance.
Markets such as Onions, Manure, and Phosphate Rights follow the same General Methodology and governance standards but are not yet within the IOSCO assurance scope.
Indices such as the Frozen Fries Indices, Potato EU-4 Indices and the Base Milk Price Index NL are compiled from identified third-party sources. They are provided for informational purposes only and are not part of DCA’s IOSCO-aligned suite.
DCA administers the DCA Beursprijs 2.0 for pig carcasses and live pigs (projection-based indicators) and the BestPigletPrice. These follow the General Methodology but apply market-specific calculation methods. Where a benchmark is projection-based, this is clearly stated in its publication and specification notes.
For DCA dairy benchmarks designated as Northwestern Europe (NWE), the region is defined as the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, northern France, and northern Germany. This definition reflects the core dairy production and trade area where pricing dynamics are closely interlinked and market integration is strongest.
Benchmarks marked as “NWE” are considered representative of this regional market even if input is not received from all countries in every reporting period, provided that submissions originate from professional participants active in the main NWE trade flows. DCA reviews the representativeness of NWE benchmarks at least annually as part of its methodology assessment and consultation process.
Benchmarks rely on information voluntarily submitted by active, professional market participants. Contributors provide transaction data, bids/offers, or contextual market information through structured calls or written submissions. All contributors adhere to DCA’s Contributor Code of Conduct.
To ensure reliability, DCA applies the following hierarchy:
A benchmark is published only when there is a sufficient, diverse set of credible inputs from independent participants. If input volume is limited, DCA will disclose this in the publication. In such cases DCA may publish with a note stating that transactional evidence is limited, carry forward the previous value, or suspend publication.
All inputs are verified within the DCA Price Reporting System. Outliers are removed through statistical validation using standard-deviation analysis. Benchmark values represent the prevailing market level during the assessment window and are calculated as the arithmetic mean of validated submissions.
Each contributor submits a volume-weighted average price (VWAP) for the assessment window. The benchmark is the arithmetic mean of the validated VWAP submissions; reported Low/High prices are published for transparency and are not included in the calculation.
DCA does not use AI tools to determine benchmark values. All calculations are performed using transparent statistical methods within controlled systems.
We publish benchmark value and unit; assessment window and region; number of included contributors (and total approached); standard deviation percentage (SD%) and standard deviation range (SDR); indicative low/high; and any notes on limited data or methodological deviations.
If a standard publication day coincides with a public holiday in the Netherlands, an alternative publication day is announced in advance on the DCA Platform (see Public Holiday Schedule).
Benchmark operations are structurally separated from DCA’s commercial activities. The Head of PRA and Compliance Associate oversee all benchmark processes under formal Mandate and Integrity Declarations. Oversight includes:
All employees are bound by the DCA Code of Conduct, ensuring confidentiality, independence, and ethical interaction with market participants. These governance and integrity safeguards form part of DCA’s internal compliance framework, ensuring full independence from commercial activities.
Each benchmark undergoes an annual review of its purpose, scope, and specifications.Before implementing any substantive change, DCA consults with relevant market participants. All methodological updates are:
DCA's IOSCO-aligned benchmarks are subject to periodic independent assurance reviews in accordance with recognised best practices for benchmark administrators.
If a material error is discovered post-publication, DCA issues a Correction Notice and republishes the value with a revised timestamp. Corrections are based solely on data available during the original assessment window. Benchmarks are periodically reviewed by an independent auditor to verify adherence to IOSCO Principles.
All benchmark publications, notices, and methodology summaries are available through DCA’s online platforms.
Contributor and client information is handled in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and DCA’s Privacy Policy. Personal data are processed only for legitimate purposes, stored securely within authorised systems in the EU, and retained in line with applicable data protection laws.
Market participants interested in contributing to DCA benchmarks may contact pra@dcami.com. Eligibility depends on professional market activity and the ability to provide accurate, timely data. Approved contributors follow DCA’s Contributor Code of Conduct.
For questions, feedback, or complaints:
Email: pra@dcami.com
Website: www.dcamarketintelligence.com
Complaints are handled according to the DCA Complaints and Appeals Procedure.
DCA Market Intelligence benchmarks are independent market indicators provided for informational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice or trading recommendations. All information is provided “as is” and “as available.”
© DCA Market Intelligence B.V. All rights reserved.
Version: December 2025