Tag Archives: Forestry Research Associates

Business

FRA supports Re-Emergence of Finnish Forestry

Leave a comment

The Finnish forestry industry is on the up once more, according to FRA, whose outlook is backed by a new study.

Seattle, United States, May 3, 2012 — The Finnish forestry industry is on the up once more, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA), whose outlook is backed by a new study.

FRA is a research and analysis consultancy, specialising in forestry and timberland investments. It claims that, after a period of downturn, the forestry industry in Finland is ripe for investment once more.

FRA’s view on the state of the industry in the Scandinavian country reflects the general outlook within Finland itself, according to a research report commissioned the Finnish Forest Association. The report found that the general confidence in the industry is returning after a tough few years.

Some 76 per cent of those questioned said they felt confident in Finland’s forestry industry’s international competitiveness. This was up from just 61 per cent who said the same back in 2007.

There was also a discovery that three quarters of the people questioned agreed that forestry by-products should be increasingly used in biomass power stations to generate energy.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “We very much welcome the news that the outlook among Finland’s forestry industry is more positive than it has been in recent years.

“We hope that this signifies the start of a new period of prosperity for the industry and that investors will be drawn to the asset class as an alternative to stocks and shares.”

FRA supports investment in forestry as an asset class and claims that it has regularly outperformed equities over the past ten years or so. Collins added, “With the increasingly volatile nature of traditional investments, it’s no wonder that wise investors are looking for new places to invest their cash.”

FRA supports timber investments through sustainable plantations that provide the chance for investors to buy up areas of forest and support the forestry industry and the communities that rely on it.

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

Sustainability receiving Boost from Investors, claims FRA

Leave a comment

Forestry investors are helping to boost sustainability, claims FRA.

Seattle, United States, May 3, 2012 — Forestry investors are helping to boost sustainability, claims Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

FRA, along with a host of other experts, are claiming that the increased interest in alternative investments, and particularly ethical investments, is helping to boost the importance of sustainability around the globe.

A recent article in the Financial Times also highlighted how investment in sustainable real estate is also helping to boost the demand for green buildings, with more and more investors realising the benefit of putting their cash towards an ethical project.

“There’s no doubt that green investments are proving more popular these days, explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. He added, “Investors are largely disillusioned with the state of economy and the fact that the banks held all the power for so long.”

FRA claims that the tide is changing and that investors are increasingly looking at ways to contribute to a more sustainable way of living and investing.

Forestry investment is one of the areas that has attracted a huge amount of attention in recent years. Investing in sustainable timber plantations offers a lower-risk option for investors who are keen to make an impact with their cash. “Investing in timber is less risky as you don’t have to harvest and sell your timber when your trees reach maturity – you can always hang onto them and watch them continue to grow until the price is right,” explained Collins.

This, teamed with the fact that timber demand is soaring in emerging markets such as India, China and Brazil, means that prices are set to rise in the coming years. “Investing in timber grown in Canada or Brazil through firms like Greenwood Management offers a uniquely profitable and ethical choice that will help investors get a taste of green investments for as little as around $15,000,” concluded Mr Collins.

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 Timber investment article from Pictet-Timber head

Leave a comment

FRA is welcoming an article by Pictet-Timber fund co-manager Gabriel Micheli in Investment Week, giving tips to anyone considering investing in timber.

Bainbridge Island, WA, May 02, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is welcoming an article by Pictet-Timber fund co-manager Gabriel Micheli in Investment Week, giving tips to anyone considering investing in timber.

Mr Micheli is keen to point out the potential returns that can come about as a result of opting for timber investments, which will be underpinned by real growing demand for timber products in emerging economies such as China and India.

He said that wise investors are “waking up” to the environmental “megatrends” in the market. These include the realisation that growing forests can provide communities with income as they provide potential for carbon trading arrangements. As a result of these arrangements, developing countries can make money from developed nations through carbon trading. This is possible because trees absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the air and therefore provide one of the most cost-effective means of reducing carbon emissions.

Mr Micheli added that investors are regularly seeing their returns from timber investment exceeding returns on stocks and shares investments. He points out that between 1990 and 2011 the NCREIF Timberland index returned 10.7 per cent each year. He claims that this shows that timber has a “key role” to play in any portfolio that is diversified against risk.

He claims that the demand for timber is coming from the nations that are desperate to get their hands on raw materials to continue their housing and infrastructure developments. At the same time, supply is not keeping up with the pace, which will drive prices up.

“Along with Mr Micheli, we are confident that timber prices will rise along with demand in the coming few years,” stated Peter Collins, the analysis partner at FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in forestry investment.

He added, “Investing in sustainable timber growth, through firms such as Greenwood Management and Pictet-timber fund can provide careful investors with the chance to make a health return form an ethical investment –something that is not that easy to come by.”

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 says Bamboo Prices could Rise

Leave a comment

FRA says it is “excited” by the prospects of bamboo being hailed as the new super material, which can be used for everything from housebuilding to garment manufacture.

Seattle, United States, April 12, 2012 — Forestry Research Analysis (FRA) says it is “excited” by the prospects of bamboo being hailed as the new super material, which can be used for everything from housebuilding to garment manufacture.

The research and analysis consultancy, which specialises in the forestry investment sector, claims that bamboo’s uses could make prices rise hugely over coming years, making it a good prospect for alternative investors.

“As the demand for raw materials increases in countries like China and India, the price of bamboo, which has so many uses and is a fast growing species, is bound to rise significantly.” FRA claims that bamboo, like other forestry stocks, absorbs carbon from the atmosphere, which means that when grown sustainable, it can offer one of the most cost effective ways of limiting climate change. All this while also producing a material that has so many purposes.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, added, “We believe that bamboo, along with teak, eucalyptus, and other fast-growing durable forestry species, offers a wonderful opportunity or environmentally conscious investors.

“Prices of these asset classes are expected to grow over the coming years, as emerging economies continue to expand and demand more and more raw materials for construction and infrastructure projects.”

FRA supports investment in sustainable forestry projects, and bamboo, although not strictly a timber product, comes under the same banner. In fact, bamboo is being touted as the ‘timber of the 21st century’.

“As with projects like the plantations run by Greenwood Management and other companies in developing countries, the growing of bamboo in a sustainable way has the potential to help people living in these countries to establish a living and safeguard it for the next generation, providing proper forestry management techniques are used,” added Collins.

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 Flags Up ‘Future Climate’ Tree Species Trials

Leave a comment

An interesting research project is taking place in the UK, which could lead to some exciting plantation investment opportunities in the future, according to FRA.

Seattle, United States, March 30, 2012 — An interesting research project is taking place in the UK, which could lead to some exciting plantation investment opportunities in the future, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The Forestry Commission’s Forest Research division is carrying out a series of tests to try to establish species of trees that could survive and flourish in a ‘future climate’. Project REINFFORCE, as it is being known, is being funded by the European Union, explained FRA, which supports renewable forestry and forestry investment projects all over the world.

The project is growing 30 different tree species in 37 West Atlantic regions, including three trial sites in Britain. Forest Research is also carrying out three trials in Swinley, Berkshire and Peebles.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, explained that the research is intended to find species that are most likely to be resilient to the challenges that may become more common in the future. For example, they are looking for species that may withstand high temperatures, a lack of water and more pests.

FRA claims that investing in these species once they have been established as the species of the future will be a good move for those looking to invest in an asset class that will see prices rise. Mr Collins explained: Sustainable forestry is undeniably an attractive investment opportunity these days, particularly in light of the volatility of the stock markets.”

FRA claims that people want to put their cash somewhere ethical and that investing in forestry research such as this project will help the human race to adapt to the changing climate. In addition, planting more trees is never a bad thing for the fight against climate change as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere making forestry one of the most cost-effective ways to limit carbon emissions.

FRA supports a range of forestry investment schemes, including the plantation schemes run by Greenwood Management 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

FRA Welcomes New of Timber Future Price Hike

Leave a comment

FRA has welcomed news that lumber prices in the US are rising off the back of a lack of credit in the lumber distribution industry.

Seattle, United States, March 29, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed news that lumber prices in the US are rising off the back of a lack of credit in the lumber distribution industry.

The research and analysis consultancy said that prices have risen 30 per cent in the past five months and that this was being prompted by distributors increasingly buying futures as a hedge in light of a lack of credit. They are finding it difficult to obtain the credit they need to buy lumber with cash, so they are resorting to futures.

Leonard Commodities analyst, Brian Leonard, told Reuters, “Distributors are having trouble buying lumber in the tight stocks environment and also they can’t get capital from banks so they’re buying futures.”

“This is great news for timber investors,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, who added, “more and more people are looking to the timber industry as a possible asset class, due to its flexible nature and the fact is does not correlate closely with equities.”

Recent figures show interest in lumber futures is up 18 per cent since January, while spot lumber prices have also risen by 12 per cent so far this year.

Leonard explained the attraction of buying up futures: “One contract of lumber is now worth about $28,000 and you can own a futures contract for $2,100. They’re buying on margin, which is what the futures market is for.”

“I have customers who have a good 50 to 80 percent more volume in futures than they used to own,” he added.

FRA is a keen promoter of forestry investment and supports projects such as those run by firms like Greenwood Management, which runs plantations of non-native, fast-growing tress species and offer investors the chance to buy up section of plantation land. Greenwood runs its projects in Brazil and Canada and investors can start with as little as $10,000.

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 urges Investors to seek out RISI Forestry Industry Report

Leave a comment

FRA is urging those interested in alternative investments to get hold of a copy of the new RISI Global Tree Farm Economics Review.

Seattle, United States, March 01, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is urging those interested in alternative investments to get hold of a copy of the new RISI Global Tree Farm Economics Review.

The review is a comprehensive look at the market for investing in sustainable plantation projects and other timber investment schemes all over the world.

The report looks at the various trends, economic and political factors that could impact the industry and investment returns for those with money in the industry.

FRA, which is a research and analysis consultancy, was keen to highlight the reports findings regarding China’s use of timber imports. The report confirms that China’s timber demand has increased in recent years and shows that the timber supply deficit in the country increased by 30 per cent in 2011 to 152 million cubic metres.

The figures show that China’s import of pulp, lumber, logs and woodchip reached record level last year.

“These figures are bound to cheer timber investors as they show that China’s demand for timber is ongoing and should provide a strong market for timber exports,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

The reports also reviewed the major timber producing countries of the world in terms of their performance for timber investors and also their general outlook. The report’s co-author, Robert Flynn stated, “The Review is specific enough to be useful, but broad enough to cover the very wide range of geographic and product variations in type of timber investment projects.”

The report also outlines the benefits and risks involved with timber investment in each of the included countries. FRA supports forestry investment schemes such as the sustainable plantation schemes run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, which help to reduce the pressure on native trees to provide charcoal and other timber products.

“We believe that investing in timber is a good bet in view of the growing demand for wood products in emerging economies,“ concluded Mr Collins.

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
Tel: (206) 316 8394
E-Mail: info@forestry-research.com
Web: http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Finnish timber export demand rise highlighted by FRA

Leave a comment

Finland’s increased timber products expert figures show that demand for timber is set to grow, according to FRA.

Seattle, United States, February 23, 2012 — Finland’s increased timber products expert figures show that demand for timber is set to grow, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The research and analysis consultancy was responding to figures showing that Finland’s forestry industry exports rose by 4 per cent last year, and the value of the industry increased to EUR 20.8 billion.

FRA added that the increase reflects analysts’ views that the demand for timber in China, India and other growing economies, is huge and will continue to grow. Indeed, demand will start to exceed supply, driving up timber process and proving profitable for those with cash invested in forestry, according to many experts.

FRA also cited other factors like the increase in damage from the Pine Beetle in Canada and the rise in taxed on timber export in Russia, that could lead to greater demand from Europe, South America and the US.

Timo Jaatinen, the Director of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation, said that they must keep control of the forestry industry from a domestic point of view. “The forest industry’s products count among Finland’s most significant export articles and they are central to the maintenance of national prosperity,” he stated.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said that encouraging investment in sustainable forestry management is important for the future of the industry around the world. “Putting money into sustainable forestry projects in countries like Costa Rica and Brazil, help to ensure that the industry can provide a living for generations to come.

“It also helps to protect native forests through the growth on plantation trees for felling and export, while native forests can remain unscathed.”

FRA support projects such as Greenwood Management‘s plantation project in Brazil that grows teak, eucalyptus and other non-native species for the production of timber and charcoal. Charcoal is in high demand in the Brazilian steel industry, which is expanding in preparation for the World Cup and the Olympics later this decade.

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
Tel: (206) 316 8394
E-Mail: info@forestry-research.com
Web: http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Forest Carbon Partners funding scheme wins support of FRA

Leave a comment

News of the new Forest Carbon Partners forestry investment scheme from New Forests Inc. has won the support of FRA, which analyses various forms of forestry investment project.

Seattle, United States, February 17, 2012 — News of the new Forest Carbon Partners forestry investment scheme from New Forests Inc. has won the support of Forestry Research Associates (FRA), which analyses various forms of forestry investment project.

Forest Carbon Partners is an investment vehicle that offers funding for carbon offsetting projects in California. The fund helps to manage these projects and deliver revenue to landowners.

Among the first projects it is involved with is a scheme to develop forestry carbon offsets over 11,000 acres in the West of the US. The scheme sees it partner with a Native American tribe and a family who own the forest in the area.

The project is intended to help finance a total of 100,000 acres of forestry carbon offset schemes, which will generate returns for land owners, as well as increasing natural habitats and absorbing large qualities of CO2.

FRA is a research and analysis consultancy that specialises in forestry investment projects. It supports investment projects in developing countries, as well as carbon offsetting schemes all over the world.

The Forest Carbon Partner is one such project, and its managing director, David Brand commented: “As the California carbon market comes online, New Forests believes that forest carbon projects will become a critical source of offset supply.

“Forest Carbon Partners brings together a sophisticated understanding of both forestry and carbon markets to meet the demand for high-quality carbon credits that ensure important co-benefits for family forest landowners and the environment.”

FRA also supports schemes such as the renewable plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada. These projects help to reduce the reliance on natural forests by providing alternative non-native forests, which are managed in a sustainable way.

FRA’s Peter Collins, said, “We welcome the New Forests project as it will help to boost carbon sequestration in one of the world’s most high impact regions, in terms of CO2 emissions.”

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
Tel: (206) 316 8394
E-Mail: info@forestry-research.com
Web: http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA supports Congo’s call for Indian forestry investment

Leave a comment

The Republic of Congo’s decision to encourage Indian private companies to invest in its forestry industry has been welcomed by FRA.

Seattle, United States, February 07, 2012 — The Republic of Congo’s decision to encourage Indian private companies to invest in its forestry industry has been welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

FRA welcomed the news that Henri Djombo, the Forestry and Environment Minister in the Congo, spoke out in favour of Congolese forestry investment at the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit.

Speaking to the Economic Times in India, Djombo said, “We have a big timber industry and would want Indian private companies to come and invest in the our timber companies.”

He also took the opportunity to call for more funding from developed nations to help the Congo and other developing nations to manage their forests sustainably. He explained, “There is a financial and climate injustice being done to us. We are making so much efforts for forest management compared to the Amazon forest in Brazil or rainforest in Indonesia but compensation is less.”

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in sustainable forestry and investment, said that Djombo’s views highlight how important funding in the form of forestry investment is. “Attracting foreign investment into the forestry industry in developing countries is vital to ensure that those working in the industry can benefit form their forests being managed sustainably,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

FRA believes that developing countries need to be compensated for forestry management in order to highlight the fact that forests can be worth more standing than as timber. This is due to importance of living forests for the absorption of carbon dioxide.

In addition, FRA said that money can be made for investors, through schemes like those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, where investors buy up sustainable plantation land and sell the timber when the trees have reached maturity. This schemes also offer an alternative to native timbers for the production of charcoal.

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
Tel: (206) 316 8394
E-Mail: info@forestry-research.com
Web: http://www.forestry-research.com