Tag Archives: Forestry Research Associates

Business

FRA Claims Report Shows More Support for Forestry Investment Returns

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FRA has said that further evidence to illustrate the potential returns involved with timberland investments has been published this week.

Seattle, United States, July 13, 2012 — The research and analysis consultancy is referring to a new report that shows that forestry investors putting their cash in Scottish forests last year, saw healthy returns. The JPD UK Forestry Index has reported that forestry investments in Scotland saw returns of 34.8 per cent in 2011, according to reports in The Scotsman newspaper.

“This kind of rate of return is very impressive and will prove an extremely attractive draw for anyone considering alternative investments going forward,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins.

FRA advocates alternative investments and, in particular, forestry investment as a means to generating good returns while ensuring that investments help to maintain forested areas safeguard the industry for generations to come.

The JPD Index was at its highest ever last year, with analysts claiming that this reflected the fact that timber prices and demand are rising off the back of the growing appetite for raw materials in developing economies, such as China and India.

The demand for timber in the UK has also grown off the back of a rise in the use of wood as fuel and the growing efficiency of the sawmill facilities in Scotland, which help to generate strong yields from timber harvests.

FRA supports sustainable forestry projects, such as the non-native plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. This kind of project allows people to invest directly in timberland without having to wait until their trees mature to enjoy the returns.

“Forestry investment in growing increasingly popular as people want something tangible in exchange for their investments following the economic crisis,” added Mr Collins. “Forestry investments regularly outperform more traditional asset classes, including property, stocks and bonds, in terms of ROI.”

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA Welcomes New Forestry Fund in Asia

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A new forestry investment fund has been launched in Asia and is being welcomed by FRA, which claims the fund offers an ethical choice to investors who want to diversify their investment portfolios.

Seattle, United States, July 11, 2012 — A new forestry investment fund has been launched in Asia and is being welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA), which claims the fund offers an ethical choice to investors who want to diversify their investment portfolios.

“This is a Private Equity Fund being run on a hedge proposition basis to consolidate assets within the emerging markets on a project by project investment strategy,” explained the CEO of the Asia Renewable Resource Fund (ARRF), Andrew Steel. The fund is being launched by Treedom Investment, which is keen to ensure that people have access to investments into sustainable forestry in Asia.

FRA claims that investing in sustainably managed forestry and timberland projects in emerging markets is a good move for investors all over the world. Its analysis partner, Peter Collins explained, “Investing in sustainable forestry not only helps to safeguard the future of forestry for generations to come but also offer investors strong returns with a low level of correlation to other economic trends and the equity markets.”

“These are forestry investments made with due regard for people, communities, the environment and profit,” added Mr Steel.

Investing in trees can be a good option for a long term investment, as they simply grow in size and value if left alone for many years,. However, FRA is keen to point out that there are a growing number of opportunities that allow investors to start to see returns within a few years. The scheme run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, for example, allows investors to invest in existing plantations of non-native trees that are grown in a cyclical way, meaning that as soon as the first trees are mature, all investors start to see returns on their investment, despite the fact that it is also a direct investment model.

AAA is a research and analysis consultancy group specialising in timberland investment and sustainable forestry.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA Welcomes Figures on English Forestry Sustainability

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England is fairing extremely well when it comes to sustainable forestry, according to a new report, which is being welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Seattle, United States, July 4, 2012 — England is fairing extremely well when it comes to sustainable forestry, according to a new report, which is being welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The new figures published by the Forestry Commission England show that only 0.04 per cent of trees that are chopped down are felled illegally. “The sustainable approach to forestry and the gradually expanding wooded areas in the country have all contributed to the increase in local timber being used instead of imported timber,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

FRA is a research and analysis consultancy that specialises in advocating timberland investment as a strong alternative asset class. It has welcomed the news that England is investing in its conservation habits, such as increasing the amount of land given over to woodland and restoring heathland.

Simon Hodgson from the Forestry Commission explained, “For the first time we have been able to publish a suite of new statistics to show what is happening to woods and forests in England and how Forestry Commission England is performing.

“The overall picture is great news for us. Protection of our woods and forests is strong with minuscule amounts of illegal felling.”

Although timber imports are falling in England, other nations, such as China, import much more timber than they used to, with much coming from the US, South America and Canada. China and other emerging economies are using more and more timber in the development of their infrastructure and housing in response to their recent economic growth.

FRA says that the increasing demand for sustainable timber in developing nations is great news for those investing in plantation projects in countries like Canada and Brazil. Firms like Greenwood Management are providing investors with the chance to directly invest in sustainably managed plantations of non-native species that help to reduce the pressure on natural forests in Brazil.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Wood Resources Quarterly Figures show strong Timber Demand, claims FRA

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New figures from Wood Resources Quarterly show that China’s wood imports have increased hugely over the past ten years – which is great news for those investing in sustainable forestry, claims FRA.

Seattle, United States, June 23, 2012 — New figures from Wood Resources Quarterly show that China’s wood imports have increased hugely over the past ten years – which is great news for those investing in sustainable forestry, claims Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Although Chinese timber imports for the first quarter of 2012 were down slightly, imports of logs have increased almost every year for ten years. The reason behind the growing demand has been the country’s expanding economy and house building. As a result China has become the world’s largest importer of sawlogs, according to the report.

In addition, the report showed that the US is now providing more of China’s timber imports, while Russia and New Zealand are exporting less to China. The reduction in the import of Russian timber could be partly down to the fact that Russia has increased taxed on exported lumber.

China’s lumber imports were 15 times higher in 2011 than they were in 2001 – demonstrating the major growth in demand from the emerging economy. The value of the timber imported to China is now around $8 billion, up from just $630 million in 2001.

“This increase in demand from China has led to an increase in the return that timber investors see after buying up sections of plantations – through firms like Greenwood Management – or through investing in forestry fund,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specializing in sustainable forestry investment analysis, claims that investing in timberland is still a good bet for those who would like to diversify their portfolio. “Forestry and wood prices tend not to follow general economic trends – so if the stock markets are losing value, chances are, your timber investments will be holding up well,” explained Mr Collins.

FRA claims that Greenwood Management, along with several other timberland investment companies, offer an ethical investment choice for those who want a tangible asset in return for their investment.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA comments on Brazilian Deforestation Reductions

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Amazon rainforest deforestation rates have fallen to their lowest levels ever recorded and FRA is attributing this partly to the creation of sustainable forestry plantations in Brazil.

Seattle, United States, June 16, 2012 — Amazon rainforest deforestation rates have fallen to their lowest levels ever recorded and Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is attributing this partly to the creation of sustainable forestry plantations in Brazil.

New figures from the National Institute for Space Research in Brazil show that deforestation has reached the lowest levels since records began more than 20 years ago, and the results are being published just a fortnight before the Rio+20 Earth Summit.

In the 12 months to 31 July 2011, some 6,418 square km of forests were destroyed, which is the smallest area since 1988. The rate of deforestation has actually dropped by 75 per cent since 2004 and FRA, along with many other analysis organisations attributes much of the success to the measures brought in by the Brazilian government to try to limit deforestation.

Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff, said the government was largely responsible for the improvement. She said, “This reduction is impressive; it is the result of changes in society, but it also stems from the political decision to inspect, as well as from punitive action by government agencies.”

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said that the government’s measures have had a big effect. “An example is their move to discourage the steel industry from using illegally logged timber for the production of charcoal. Any firms that did so would not have been eligible for state handouts, so they all turned to sustainable plantations, such as those run by Greenwood Management and other similar investment firms, to source their charcoal.”

FRA claims that this means the market for sustainably produced timber and charcoal is growing, which is great news for anyone investing in timberland in Brazil.

Greenwood and other plantation management firms offer people outside Brazil the chance to invest in non-native timber plantations that help to provide alternatives to local illegally logged timber.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Greenwood Client Report Welcomed by FRA

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The new client report from Greenwood Management, which is being sent out to its investors, has been received very positively by FRA – a research and analysis consultancy specialising in timberland investments.

Seattle, United States, June 2, 2012 — The new client report from Greenwood Management, which is being sent out to its investors, has been received very positively by Forestry Research Associates (FRA) – a research and analysis consultancy specialising in timberland investments.

“Greenwood Management has one of the most exciting offers on the timberland investment market and we welcome the publication of its new client report, detailing the progress of its plantation projects in Brazil and Canada,” stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

The client report offers investors an update on the sustainably managed plantation and informs investors that Greenwood is currently undertaking its infrastructure maintenance programme to prepare for the next round of planting later in 2012.

“We think the fact that Greenwood is issuing regular updates to investors is important at a time when many of their clients are entrusting their cash in tangible timberland product that they will probably never get to visit in person. Seeing really great images of the plantations and the work being done must be very welcome,” added Mr Collins.

The report also outlines the improvements to facilities for the firm’s sponsored student intern programme, which places some of the brightest students into work experience placements with Greenwood lasting for up to three months. The firm has invested heavily in updating and improving its student facilities to make the experience even more positive for those who are lucky enough to get a place, explained FRA.

Finally, there is an update on the current charcoal prices in Brazil – much of the timber grown in plantations such as those run my Greenwood goes to making sustainable charcoal for the steel industry. Mr Collins explained, “These figure are important because the steel industry is such as major market for timber. However, demand is set to rise as a result of the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Olympics, which are both coming to Brazil in the coming four years.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Rousseff Government Vetoes Parts of Forestry Bill

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In response to growing pressure from environmentalists all over the globe, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has vetoed parts of the controversial forestry bill, in a move that has been welcomed by FRA.

Seattle, United States, May 30, 2012 — In response to growing pressure from environmentalists all over the globe, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has vetoed parts of the controversial forestry bill, in a move that has been welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The President had pledged to veto the bill if she won the election while on her campaign trail and pressure to fulfil her promise had been rising over the past month. The bill was passed through the country’s congress back in April and was threatening to allow land owners to develop more of the Amazon forest for agricultural purposes. It was also planning to introduce an amnesty for anyone who had been found illegally logging timber before 2008.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy, said it welcomed the decision to partially veto the bill and particularly welcomed the dropping of the amnesty out of the plans. A total of 12 articles were removed from the bill. It is thought that Rousseff would have been partly persuaded to go ahead with the veto in light of the fact that Brazil is hosting the Rio+20 Summit later in the year, at which some of the world’s great leaders will gather to work on environmental issues.

FRA, which promotes investment in sustainable forestry and the reforestation of the Brazilian forests, said that Rousseff could have gone further but that the most damaging parts of the bill have been removed. Its analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “Here at FRA, we welcome the veto and continue to support projects such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.”

Greenwood Management runs plantation projects in Brazil which help to supply sustainably grown timber products and coal to domestic and overseas customers, including the Brazilian steel industry, who may otherwise depend on timber form the Amazon.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA calls for Rousseff Forestry Act Veto

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FRA is joining the campaign to increase pressure on Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff to veto the Forestry Bill.

Seattle, United States, May 21, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is joining the campaign to increase pressure on Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff to veto the Forestry Bill.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in sustainable forestry and forestry investments, has added its voice to those of environmental groups all over the world who are campaigning for the forestry bill to be thrown out by the popular president. The bill would allow those carrying out illegal logging to get away without paying fines through an amnesty. It would also open up areas of forest to loggers to make way for the cultivation of riverbanks regions.

During Rousseff’s campaign trail in 2010, she promised to veto the bill, which campaigners claim threatens the future of the Amazon rainforest and the un-contacted tribes that live in its depths.

The current laws ensure that around 80 per cent of the privately owned land in the Amazon remain as forest, while the new bill would allow landowners to cultivate more of this land.

FRA said that the bill represents a major threat to the good work that the Brazilian government has done over the past decade to try to limit deforestation. It said that the moves to draw industry away from the use of forest timber and towards the use of timber grown in sustainable plantations, such as those run by investment firms like Greenwood Management, has helped to significantly reduce the rate at which rainforests are being destroyed in the Latin American country.

“This bill represents the largest threat to the Amazon that we have seen for years,” stated FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins.

He added, “We call upon President Rousseff to fulfil her pre-election manifesto by vetoing the plans to open up more of the Amazon to agriculture and development. We are also against the amnesty for illegal loggers that sends the wrong message to those involved in the practice all over the world.”

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Wood First Campaign Attracts Support from FRA

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FRA has lent its support to a new campaign in the UK that calls upon the public sector to lead the way in terms of opting to use wood as a primary building material.

Seattle, United States, May 12, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has lent its support to a new campaign in the UK that calls upon the public sector to lead the way in terms of opting to use wood as a primary building material.

Wood for Good has launched the “Wood First” campaign, which it hopes will encourage local authorities and councils to consider sustainably sources wood as a primary building materials on projects. A key part of France’s climate policy is to encourage the use of timber in building and the Wood First campaign hopes to replicate this in the UK.

The campaign is part of Wood for Good’s aim to make the use of sustainable timber a more viable option for construction projects around the UK. One London borough is thought to be considering adopting the policy, claims FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in forestry investment and timber products.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, explained, “It’s all down to the fact that growing timber helps to reduce the amount of CO2 we emit because trees absorb carbon.

“The more trees we plant and the more land we cover in forests, the more carbon is absorbed and the best way to ensure more trees are planted is to use more wood in the construction industry.”

Wood for Good’s Head of External Affairs, David Hopkins, said, “Increasing forest cover is recognised as one of the most effective weapons we have in the battle against climate change, and the best way to achieve this is to stimulate demand for sustainable timber and wood products. The introduction of a Wood First rule will help to make this happen.”

FRA supports forestry investment as a way to encourage sustainability. Projects like Greenwood Management’s teak and acacia plantations in Brazil offer investors the chance to invest in an ethical option while making healthy returns, claims FRA.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Forestry Popular with Risk-Averse Investors claims FRA

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Environmental Finance has published an article outlining how fund managers are reporting a rise in interest in forestry investment of all kinds.

Seattle, United States, May 5, 2012 — Environmental Finance has published an article outlining how fund managers are reporting a rise in interest in forestry investment of all kinds. Forestry Research Associates (FRA) says that the future looks bright for forestry, as traditional investments continue to deter pension funds.

Timberland Investment Resources (TIR) was speaking at the Forestry, Sustainability and Biomass conference in London today. The delegate stated, “We have lived through extraordinary times for investors. And the fact is, forestry did what it said it would do on the tin.”

FRA claims that this sums up the attraction of forestry investment for many investors who have been burned by their stocks and shares after huge amounts were lost from markets overnight during the economic crisis. The ongoing uncertainty in the Eurozone region is a further cause for concern for many, who want to diversify their portfolios to protect them from risk.

“Forestry is a risk-averse option.” claims FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins. He added, “Timber assets offers a stable option as they have continually outperformed equities over a number of years.”

FRA claims that another advantage is the fact that if the timber prices are low when trees reach harvestable size, investors are not forced to chop down their trees. Instead they can simply leave them growing for as long as it takes for timber prices to reach the desired level before selling. “Trees continue to grow, along with the potential ROI,” added Collins.

There are a number of ways to invest in timberland and forestry, explained FRA. One of the most popular among risk-averse investors is to buy up sections of sustainable plantations, which offer a tangible asset in exchange for anything from around EUR10,000 in the case of an investment through Greenwood Management, for example.

Greenwood Management runs teak and eucalyptus plantations in Brazil.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com