a border adjustment used to even out the differences between green currencies and the actual foreign exchange value of EC currencies. It is calculated weekly. The MCA acts as a subsidy on food imports for a country with a weak currency, since it brings prices down from the high green currency level to the lower foreign exchange or real value. By the same token, it makes farm exports from such countries dearer. For countries with strong currencies, exports are cheaper and imports dearer but it also ensures prices paid to farmers in those countries do not fall.