Tag Archives: FRA

Business

Timber Firms Reporting Healthy Results, claims FRA

Leave a comment

Timber producers and forestry firms are celebrating good fortune as the US housing recovery is expected to experience growth, according to FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, October 19, 2012 – Timber producers and forestry firms are celebrating good fortune as the US housing recovery is expected to experience growth, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

FRA supports a range of forestry investment products and claims that forestry in regions like British Columbia is reporting gains off the back of the improving conditions and demand for timber in the US.

Steady demand from China and the use of timber in property construction in the US has led to a recovery in the softwood market in BC. ERA Forest Products Research’s David Elstone, said, “The outlook for the softwood sector in general is quite positive over the next few years as we go through a growth cycle.”

Analysis shows that softwood producers in the region are expected to report strong third quarter results as a result of lumber prices steadily increasing throughout 2012. FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “Now is a really great time to be investing in timber and forestry. Sustainable forestry, such as the plantation land run by Greenwood Management and other similar firms, can be a good alternative asset class and prices and demand are rising.”

A recent article by Marketwatch shows that a number of prominent timber firms are reporting significant increases in the financial results and that the trend is expected to continue. Timber prices have been volatile for a while, increasing to record high and dropping to record lows during the recession, which we are now climbing out of, explained FRA. However, the group’s analysts are keen to point out that timber is a risk-averse asset class as it allows investors to choose when they cash in their ‘stocks’ so to speak.

Mr Collins explained: “If market conditions aren’t great at the time you intend to sell your timber, you can hold off until prices rise. In the meantime, that timber will continue to grow in size and in value, as a result.”

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

New Addition to Impact Investment List welcomed by FRA

Leave a comment

FRA has backed moves to add Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM) to the open source ImpactAssets 50 2012 (IA 50) database of socially responsible impact investing funds.

Seattle, United States, October 18, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has backed moves to add Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM) to the open source ImpactAssets 50 2012 (IA 50) database of socially responsible impact investing funds.

The list is created each year and gives investors a guide to the top investment products that can deliver good returns, while delivering social and environmental benefits.

The funds listed under the IA 50 have a total of $10.2 billion invested in them and cover a huge range of geographical locations. A spokesperson for EFM, its CEO, Bettina von Hagen, stated, “EFM is honoured to be named among the 50 best impact investment fund managers in the world. We are committed to demonstrating an alternative approach to managing forests in the region – one that can be financially competitive, while at the same time beneficial to the health and resilience of ecosystems and rural communities.”

FRA supports a wide range of forestry investment initiatives, including plantations run by firms like Greenwood Management in countries like Brazil and Canada, which are densely forested. The fact that plantations growing alternative, non-native timbers are managed in these locations, helps to protect the native forests against illegal logging.

In Brazil, Greenwood Management’s plantations produce charcoal that is used by the Brazilian steel industry, which used to use native forests to produce their charcoal. “In this way, plantation projects, if sustainably managed, can help to reduce the impact of deforestation,” stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

Investing in impact investment funds and ethical investment products has become more popular since the economic crisis as a reaction to the volatility of the stocks and bonds market. Mr Collins added, “Investors want something more tangible in exchange for their investment and forestry funds offer just this. Investors with Ecotrust Forest Management and Greenwood Management are investing in timberland with established and growing trees.”

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 Positive signs in US House Building Market

Leave a comment

Industries that benefit from a boom in house building, such as forestry, are likely to welcome news that the US housing market is still in recover and that lumber prices are increasing as a result, claims FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, October 12, 2012 – Industries that benefit from a boom in house building, such as forestry, are likely to welcome news that the US housing market is still in recover and that lumber prices are increasing as a result, claims Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The forestry investment research group said that news of soaring US house builders’ publicly traded stocks in is most welcome among forestry management firms. “Businesses that run plantations producing timber for house building, such as Greenwood Management, will be excited to hear that the recovery in the US housing market is going from strength to strength,” said FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

Senior analyst at ERA Forest Product Research, David Elstone, told The Globe and Mail in Canada: “The outlook for the softwood sector in general is quite positive over the next few years as we go through a growth cycle.” His views are echoed among forestry analysts all over the Americas, who predict increasing timber prices and yields for those investing in plantations.

Most of the wood that will be used in the construction of US homes will need to be sustainably sourced. This is why projects like those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil are so attractive to investors. Collins explained, ”Plantations that are run on a cyclical basis are sustainable as new growth always replaces trees that are felled.

“Plantations in regions where there is natural forests, like Brazil, can also help to reduce the pressure to use native timbers and instead produce a source of fast-growing, sustainable timber appropriate for use in a number of construction projects and for furniture making, or even turning into coal,” added Collins.

Investing in alternative asset classes like forestry has become increasingly popular among those who want to diversify their portfolios against risk and make an ethical choice.

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

Safeguarding Sustainable Forestry is Vital, claims FRA

Leave a comment

A recent article in The Guardian’s blog by Peter Holmgren, director general for the Center for International Forestry Research, has been warmly welcomed by FRA for providing some useful ideas on how we can further promote sustainable forestry.

Seattle, United States, October 11, 2012 — A recent article in The Guardian’s blog by Peter Holmgren, director general for the Center for International Forestry Research, has been warmly welcomed by Forestry Research Associates for providing some useful ideas on how we can further promote sustainable forestry.

Mr Holmgren cited the results of a study by his organization, which recently found that people living near forests rely on forest income for a fifth of their total household income, on average. “This research illustrate how incredibly important the forestry industry is for those living in these regions,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

He added, “Holmgren points out how forestry provides so much for so many people and that safeguarding its future is vital for communities all over the world, but especially in developing countries.”

Forestry as a means of reduce climate change through carbon absorption is now very much in the public consciousness. Carbon trading means that wealthy, industrial countries can pay developing countries with large amounts of forestry land to keep their forests standing to offset the impact of their industrial practices. In addition, Mr Collins and Mr Holmgren both point out that forestry is not disconnected from other industries. Holmgren explained to Guardian readers: “Forestry is not an isolated sector disconnected from the world beyond the trees. For local people, the forest is a source of renewable energy, food and livelihoods.”

Holmgren claims that there is a strong link between forestry and food security and that this, alone is a good reason to keep forests standing.

FRA claims that investing in sustainable plantations projects in countries like Brazil, that have large amounts of vulnerable natural forests, can help reduce deforestation. Mr Collins concluded: “Projects like the eucalyptus and teak plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada are lucrative choices for alternative investors, while being an ethical choice for those who want to safeguard the future of 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

Reports of Increased Timber Prices Welcomed by FRA

Leave a comment

Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has highlighted the news from the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) that the prices paid for its exported timber products are up by five per cent year-on-year.

Bainbridge Island, WA, October 08, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has highlighted the news from the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) that the prices paid for its exported timber products are up by five per cent year-on-year.

“This is great news for timber investors, as it suggests demand for timber is up and prices could rise globally,” stated FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins. The chief executive officer of the MTC, Cheah Kam Huan, explained that the majority of the growth has been measured in the second half of the year so far. He explained that the first half saw prices that were less favourable but that demand from the US and elsewhere, particularly for timber furniture, was driving prices up in the past few months.

Speaking at the International Conference on Market Requirement for Timber and Timber Products, Mr Cheah said, “Hopefully, the second half would be better than the first half. So far, it is showing good results.” In fact, exported timber furniture prices increase by an impressive 12 per cent so far this second-half.

In addition to this good news came further positive noises from US–based International Wood Products Association, Brent McClendon, who added that the value of hardwood plywood imports to the UK from Malaysia so far this year had increased by 70 per cent.

FRA said that the reports that timber demand from the US was rising was great news for timber investors everywhere. Mr Collins added, “We can see demand for timber continuing to rise from the US, due to the improvements in the housing market.”

FRA supports a range of timber investment schemes and supports sustainable plantations investment projects like those run by firms like Greenwood Management and Ethical Forestry Investment in Brazil and elsewhere.

“Sustainably managed plantation timber is a good investment option for those looking to diversify their portfolios.” added Collins.

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 gets behind World Bank’s support of Forest Fire Action

Leave a comment

The World Bank has announced that it will be funding the Russian federation’s attempts to prevent forest fires, with a cash injection worth a staggering $40 million. The move has been welcomed by FRA.

Seattle, United States, October 6, 2012 — The World Bank has announced that it will be funding the Russian federation’s attempts to prevent forest fires, with a cash injection worth a staggering $40 million. The move has been welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The co-finance deal will take the form of a loan, that will contribute to Russia’s $121.26 million Forest Fire Response Project. The forest fire prevention project is run by the Federal Forestry Service and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in an attempt to reduce the number of devastating forest fires that threaten Russia’s valuable forests.

Some 20 per cent of the world’s forests are to be found in Russia and every year, around 1.4 million hectares are affected by forest fires. It is thought that around 93 per cent of these forest fires are started by humans. The investment will help the Forest Fire Response Project to monitor the problems, help identify and extinguish fires and reduce the number being started in the first place.

“This investment shows the World Bank’s commitment to safeguarding the future of the forestry industry in Russia,” stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

“Sustainable forestry is not only a major source of employment and income for communities all over the world, but also provides a huge amount of the world’s oxygen and carbon absorption. Without trees, we would simply not be able to live,” added Collins.

FRA supports sustainable forestry in all its forms and is particularly keen to promote investment in plantation projects that run on a cyclical model, which ensures that trees are always growing to replace those felled.

“Sustainability is the key to any successful managed forestry project, in our opinion,” added Mr Collins. That’s why we support Greenwood Management‘s eucalyptus, teak and acacia plantation investment projects in Brazil. These forestry investment projects are a great way for investors to diversify their portfolios.”

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 Olympic Spotlight on Brazil

Leave a comment

FRA has welcomed reports of a booming Brazil economy, as the Olympic flame is officially passed from London to Rio de Janeiro, the next host city of the Games.

Bainbridge Island, WA, September 28, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed reports of a booming Brazil economy, as the Olympic flame is officially passed from London to Rio de Janeiro, the next host city of the Games.

Stats from wire reports show that not only will the Games increase interest in the South American region, they will also highlight investment opportunities in Brazil.

FRA recommends sustainably managed timber plantations, such as those operated in Brazil by firms like Greenwood Management, to take advantage of not just the Brazilian economy but also the growing popularity of alternative investments.

Timber prices have beaten inflation consistently and small investments of around $10,000 can secure you a part of this booming industry. Greenwood manage the plantation and support the local community. As the population of Brazil become empowered by regular work, they are investing back in timber for homes and furniture. And Greenwood will start paying returns to investors as soon as money starts coming in from any mature trees on the entire plantation.

Reports show that 53 per cent of the Brazil population now classify as middle class and expect a higher standard of living than previously. The Presidential Office of Strategic Affairs report last month found that as many as 35 million Brazil nationals have climbed out of poverty over the last ten years.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said: “Alternative investments are a popular choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio and protect themselves from the Eurozone crisis and a volatile stock market.”

As well as the Olympics, Brazil also hosts the World Cup in 2014, providing more jobs for the community. The region is famed for its commodities and investments such as timber are bound to grow in popularity as the country comes under international spotlight over the next four years.

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 Supports Kenya Campaign against Illegal Logging

Leave a comment

A move in Kenya to strengthen laws that prohibit illegal logging has been praised by Forestry Research Associates (FRA). The Kenya Forestry services is arranging for timber and charcoal dealers across the globe to work together to outlaw the illegal practise. The Kenya Forestry Services Act stipulates that anybody engaging in cutting timber or burning charcoal unlawfully will be fined Kshs 50,000.

Seattle, United States, September 28, 2012 — A move in Kenya to strengthen laws that prohibit illegal logging has been praised by Forestry Research Associates (FRA). The Kenya Forestry services is arranging for timber and charcoal dealers across the globe to work together to outlaw the illegal practise. The Kenya Forestry Services Act stipulates that anybody engaging in cutting timber or burning charcoal unlawfully will be fined Kshs 50,000.

FRA advocates sustainable forestry in all its forms and supports environmental conservation and the international requirement of ten per cent tree cover, which Kenya is working towards.

Africa has made great improvements in its green policies in recent times and this latest campaign encourages local people to work with Kenya Forest Services (KFS) and Community Forest Associations (CFA) to embrace conservation.

Busia County Forestry Services Coordinator James Were points out that the Forestry Act amendment of 2005 requires formation of registered groups to deal in charcoal and timber. “Anyone caught masquerading in the timber business without a license of origin from KFS, will face the law non-selectively,” he said.

The Kenya government policy supports commercial forestry either by individuals or groups as long as green measures are adhered to. Timber investment is growing in popularity across the globe and FRA recommends sustainably managed plantations, such as the Greenwood Management scheme operated in Brazil.

Here, investors can strengthen their portfolio and snap up a piece of forestry land for as little as $10,000, which is a lot less than is involved when buying forestry independently. Greenwood manage these plantations and support the local community by offering jobs.

“Demand for timber is rising and this is an investment that can help you beat inflation,” said FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. “Alternative investments are becoming more popular and the Kenyan government’s green policies prove that it is essential to work with companies that actively advocate 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 New of Major Russia-China Forestry Investment

Leave a comment

FRA has welcomed news that a fund jointly run in Russia and China is to invest some $200 million in a Russian forestry company.

Bainbridge Island, WA, September 27, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed news that a fund jointly run in Russia and China is to invest some $200 million in a Russian forestry company.

The deal has been struck off the back of an initiative launched at a summit intended to promote Asia-Pacific regional cooperation, from an economic perspective.

The deal involves an investment in Russia’s second-largest forestry products business, called Russia Forest Products, while the Chinese/Russian fund is simply called the Russia-China Investment Fund. The investment means that Russia Forest Products will now be able to produce forestry products with higher values and of better quality.

The forestry business is allowed to fell some 4.5 million cubic metres of timber each year and controlled some 6.4 million hectares of forests under a long-term lease deal.

The news that the investment has taken place was welcomed by FRA, which advocates investment in forestry management projects – particularly sustainable ones, such as the Greenwood Management plantations in Brazil and Canada. “Investing in sustainable forestry schemes is one of very best ways to ensure that you not only see a great return on your alternative investment, but that you can help to reduce deforestation in some of the most vulnerable regions of the world,” commented Peter Collins, the analysis partner at FRA.

The returns seen by forestry investors over the past decade or so are often better than the average returns for those investing in stocks and bonds. In addition, the plantation projects run by Greenwood Management can help to produce charcoal for the steel industry in Brazil, which helps steel firms avoid using charcoal produced by burning native timbers.

“Sustainability is the key to forestry investments and anyone considering investing in forestry should look for plantation schemes that are run on a cycle system, so that older trees are cut down when new trees are being planted,” added Mr Collins.

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

Brazil is a Great Place to Invest, agrees FRA

Leave a comment

A new article in IFA Magazine by Green Forestry Investments’ Lisa Best, has been welcomed by FRA for championing Brazil as one of the best places to invest.

Seattle, United States, September 8, 2012 — A new article in IFA Magazine by Green Forestry Investments’ Lisa Best, has been welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA) for championing Brazil as one of the best places to invest.

Lisa Best is a project manager for Green Forestry Investments and claims that, although Brazil’s economy is not growing as fast as it once was, it should definitely still be considered as a place to invest cash in alternatives, such as forestry and real estate.

Not only has the country become extremely stable, both economically and politically, in recent years it has also managed to win bids to host major sporting events over the coming few years. In 2014 the FIFA World Cup will be held in Brazil, while Rio will host the Olympics in 2016. For both of these events, considerable infrastructure investments will take place and the steel industry in particular is booming.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “This is one of the reasons why investing in forestry plantations in Brazil is a good bet. The plantations provide sustainable charcoal to the steel industry, who would otherwise be sourcing it form native forests which, as we all know, are threatened and extremely vulnerable.”

Ms Best added that Brazil already sources 85 per cent of the energy it needs from renewable sources. The government is still investing heavily in this area and, therefore, this is another reason why sustainable timber plantations that could produce biomass are worth investing in.

FRA supports all kinds of ethical investing and particularly green investments like timberland. Mr Collins explained that a growing number of investors want to see something with an intrinsic value in exchange for their hard-earned cash following the economic collapse. “Forestry investments through firms like Greenwood Management and Green Forestry Investments are a good option for risk-averse alternative investors,” stated 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