Tag Archives: FRA

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

FRA agrees that Brazil Regulations could boost Agricultural investment

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Business Monitor International (BMI) has predicted that investment in forestry and agriculture in the Amazon region will be boosted as a result of the new forestry regulations giving people more control over land rights.

Bainbridge Island, WA, July 05, 2012 – Business Monitor International (BMI) has predicted that investment in forestry and agriculture in the Amazon region will be boosted as a result of the new forestry regulations giving people more control over land rights.

Brazil is one of the largest producers of soybeans and cattle in the world and the controversial new rights handed to land owners will make these areas of agriculture more attractive as investment options. This is according to international researchers at BMI whose view is also backed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA), a research and analysis consultancy specializing in forestry investment.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, ”These new regulations have come at a time when the demand for beef and soy are growing in emerging markets. The regulations mean that more land could be given over to these agricultural activities, which is bound to attract more investment in to the region.”

However, FRA is keen to promote a more sustainable option of investing in non-native forestry plantations in the Amazon region. These plantations, run by firms like Greenwood Management, involve focusing on fast-growing species that are not native to the region. As a result, timber products from these species are more sustainable alternative to the wood from the natural rainforests, which are vulnerable.

“Managing forestry sustainably is something we support,” claimed Mr Collins, who added, “Investing in these plantations, investors can cash in on the growth in demand for raw materials from emerging markets without contributing to the degradation of the region’s rainforests.”

There has recently been pressure on Brazilian pressure Dilma Rousseff to veto some of the new provisions, which could lead to a reducing in the farmers’ ability to expand the amount of land given over to agriculture. There continues to be people in favor of the new regulations and those against, the latter of which claim that the regulations will undo all the good work that has been done to reduce deforestation.

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: UN Forestry Report says Forestry could ‘Revolutionise’ Economy

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FRA is welcoming a report from the UN, which says that countries need to introduce the right policies to ensure that their forestry assets fulfil their potential.

Bainbridge Island, WA, June 21, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is welcoming a report from the UN, which says that countries need to introduce the right policies to ensure that their forestry assets fulfil their potential.

The report claims that if the world’s forests were managed properly and sustainable, they could create a solid green economy. The report also includes the UN pledge to replant 18 million hectares of forests – a move that has been welcomed by FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in forestry investment and sustainability.

UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) assistant director-general for forestry, Eduardo Rojas-Briales, stated, “Forests and trees on farms are a direct source of food, energy and income for more than a billion of the world’s poorest people.

“At the same time, forests trap carbon and mitigate climate change, maintain water and soil health, and prevent desertification.”

He went on to explain how the sustainable management of the world’s forests could revolutionise the world’s economy and could shift economic power more towards countries that have high concentrations of forests. He explained, “The sustainable management of forests offer multiple benefits – with the right programmes and policies, the sector can lead the way towards more sustainable, greener economies.”

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins said that the report was an “exceptionally positive” new insight into the potential of the forestry sector. “This report reflects the importance of sustainable forestry management.

“We believe that investing in sustainable plantations and sustainably managed natural forests is essential for the future of the green economy.”

FRA supports projects such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and elsewhere, which allow investors to buy up sections of plantation. These non-native plantations produce timber and charcoal products that are an alternative to using native forests and, as a result, help to reduce deforestation and add to the amount of forest land.

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

FRA Welcomes Rousseff’s New Environmental Measures

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Following the news that Dilma Rousseff has agreed to veto parts of the controversial Brazilian Forestry Act, FRA has also welcomed Rousseff’s moves to create new nature reserves and protected land for indigenous tribes.

Bainbridge Island, WA, June 15, 2012 – Following the news that Dilma Rousseff has agreed to veto parts of the controversial Brazilian Forestry Act, Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has also welcomed Rousseff’s moves to create new nature reserves and protected land for indigenous tribes.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy, promotes forestry investment and sustainable development projects. Its analysis partner, Peter Collins, stated, “The news that Brazil’s President Rousseff is opening new nature reserves is great for the forests and indigenous people of Brazil and we wholeheartedly endorse the decision.”

The measures were signed into law earlier this week ahead of the Rio+20 environmental conference on 20-22 June. The conference will see major heads of state gather to discuss environmental concerns and issues that affect countries all over the globe.

In response to some claims from critics that she was generally putting the country’s economic growth ahead of environmental concerns, Rousseff stated that Brazil has become “one of the most advanced countries” when it comes to sustainable development.

Several projects that involve planting sustainable timberland plantations help the country to reach its sustainability goals. For example, the projects run by firms like Greenwood Management, which plants fast-growing non-native timber species for use as an alternative source of timber and charcoal, can help to protect native forests. FRA supports these projects and claims that investors can also make healthy returns from them.

“The timberland asset class has regularly outperformed traditional asset classes in recent years and investing in trees offers individuals the chance to get their hands on a tangible asset that can provide diversification in a portfolio,” added Mr Collins.

Demand for timber and charcoal is high in Brazil and elsewhere among the world’s emerging economies – thanks partly due to developing infrastructure in countries like China and India and also because of the growing steel industry in Brazil itself.

The new measures announced by Rousseff include the creation of seven new indigenous territories to help protect land used by native Amazon tribes.

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

FRA welcomes New of Church of England’s Timberland investments

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FRA a US-based forestry investment research and analysis consultancy, has welcomed news that the Church of England has increased its exposure to timberland investments over the past 18 months.

Bainbridge Island, WA, June 01, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) a US-based forestry investment research and analysis consultancy, has welcomed news that the Church of England has increased its exposure to timberland investments over the past 18 months.

The Church of England is one of the UK’s largest non-profit organizations in terms of money invested and it has been restructuring its investment portfolio, worth £5.2 billion, over the past year-and-a-half. It has moved much of its allocation into uncrowded, unconventional assets such has timberland.

FRA claims that the example is the most powerful demonstration of a general move towards alternative investments in the charity sector in the UK and abroad and a general move away from stocks and bonds and into tangible, ethical asset classes.

“It seems to sit much better with charities to invest in something tangible and ideally something socially and environmentally responsible,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. He added, “The equity markets are a volatile place at the moment and when money is as precious as it is to the charities sector, a low risk approach is vital.”

That’s not to say that good returns can’t be made from alternative investments, added FRA.

FRA is a keen promoter of timberland investments as an option that is not closely aligned with general economic trends and indicators.

Firms like Greenwood Management, which operate plantations in Brazil, offer individuals and group investors, such as pension funds and charities, the chance to invest as little as EUR 10,000 in timberland that is managed sustainably.

These kinds of projects are popular at the moment as timber demand is rising off the back of the growth of emerging economies that need timber to help expand their infrastructures. As well as providing timber as a raw material for construction the plantations also provide the booming steel industry within Brazil itself with sustainable charcoal.

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