Tag Archives: FRA

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EU Legislation Outlawing Illegal Timber dealing is welcomed by FRA

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FRA has welcomed the introduction of new legislation in the EU that outlaws the selling of illegally sourced timber.

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 27, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed the introduction of new legislation in the EU that outlaws the selling of illegally sourced timber.

In a move that FRA claims strengthens the importance of investing in sustainable forestry projects, the EU will introduce its new Timber Regulations in March next year.

The new legislation will make sure firms that trade in timber are forced to check the source of their timber products and make sure they come from sustainably managed forests.

“This can only be good news for the environment and the forestry industry around the globe,” stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. He added, “cutting out the trade in illegally sourced timber in Europe is essential to the fight against climate change and also for the sake of consumers who would hate to think they are encouraging deforestation when they purchase a new piece of furniture from a European retailer.”

FRA claims that as the opportunity to sell illegally sourced timber products reduces, the demand for timber produced from sustainably managed plantations will increase. “This is great news for forestry investors who have put their cash into plantation schemes at home and abroad,” added Mr Collins.

An example of this kind of project is the one run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. Greenwood offers investors the chance to invest in a section of plantation in Brazil for as little as $10,000. The plantation grows fast-growing non-native trees like teak and eucalyptus, whose wood is prized for its use in furniture making and in the production of coal for the steel industry.

The project is sustainable because the trees are harvested when they reach maturity but there are other trees being grown to replace them in a cycle model.

Those who are found to be dealing in illegally sourced timber after March 2013 will be fined the value of the damage the incident has caused to the environment, along with the value of the timber in question.

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

Finnish timber export demand rise highlighted by FRA

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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

FRA Claims Protecting Indigenous Rights is Vital to REDD+ scheme

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FRA claims that the REDD+ project is more than just about preventing deforestation and has backed a statement from a high profile member, who talks about the importance of helping those living in and around the forests.

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 21, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) claims that the REDD+ project is more than just about preventing deforestation and has backed a statement from a high profile member, who talks about the importance of helping those living in and around the forests.

Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, one of the leaders of the REDD+ task force in Indonesia, has spoken out to highlight the fact that the campaign should be just as much about safeguarding the rights of indigenous people as preventing deforestation.

He stated, “It’s not as simple as the destruction of forests by logging companies. That certainly happens, but the real issue in REDD is poverty, and we must link the two together.”

FRA, which is a research and analysis consultancy, and Mangkusubroto, agree that poverty has become rife in some regions that have experienced a high level of deforestation due to the failure to recognise indigenous peoples’ land rights.

FRA also points out that these kinds of land rights issues can occur as a result of REDD+ measures. Mangkusubroto points out an example that occurred in Sumatra, where an indigenous population were told to move away from their homes as the forest land they lived in was designated a conservation area. Mangkusubroto was keen to point out that he intends to avoid these kinds of measures being introduced. He stated, “We will not implement a ‘father knows best’ approach, but instead we’ll do this cooperatively.”

FRA supports sustainable forestry investment schemes that help to safeguard valuable forests in developing countries. An example is the non-native forestry plantations grown by Greenwood Management in Brazil. The growth of non-native trees for use as charcoal by the domestic steel industry, can help reduce the reliance on native trees. Peter Collins, AAA’s analysis partner explained, “This kind of scheme helps local people realise the value of their standing forests.”

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

Forest Carbon Partners funding scheme wins support of FRA

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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 says Timber demand from China could help US forestry industry

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FRA has welcomed the news that the demand for timber is on the up thanks to the increasing appetite for timber in China.

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 14, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed the news that the demand for timber is on the up thanks to the increasing appetite for timber in China.

Figures on timber harvesting in 2011 analysed by forestry economist, Gary Lettman, showed that harvests had picked up last year with the number of board feet harvested looking better than the past few years, which have been disappointing for the US forestry industry.

West Wood Productions Association’s CEO, Kevin Binam claims that demand in 2012 is going to improve, but is still cautious. He said, “There’s not anybody out there jumping for joy, saying it’s going to be a roaring good year, but everybody expects 2012 to be a little better than 2011.”

Many mills in the US are still running at around 80 per cent capacity, up from around 70 per cent last year in many cases. Industry insiders said they will be able to ‘ramp up’ production should demand increase even further from China and other emerging markets.

Exports of logs to China totalled 1.1 billion feet, up 108 per cent in the first ten months of last year, which indicates a major improvement in demand from the country. Binam said, “That’s been a big game changer for, not all the Western [US] mills, but certainly for some.”

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said that although the experts are remaining tight-lipped about the prospects in 2012, the increase in demand from China is great news for the industry, which has had a tough few years. He said “We expect this increase in demand to translate to higher timber prices, with investment in sustainable forestry plantations in developing countries still proving popular with Western investors.”

FRA is an analysis and research consultancy that specialises in forestry investment. It supports a range of sustainable projects in which people can invest, including Greenwood Management’s teak and eucalyptus plantations in Brazil.

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 Congo’s call for Indian forestry investment

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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

Business

FRA highlights Money Morning article as a ‘Great place to start’

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A new report on the benefits of timber investment in Money Morning, has attracted attention and praise from FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 01, 2012 – A new report on the benefits of timber investment in Money Morning, has attracted attention and praise from Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The research and analysis consultancy has highlighted the article, written by investment writer Don Miller, as “A great place to start your research if are considering investing in forestry.”

Mr Miller lists the numerous benefits of opting for a timber investment, arguing that the option is a low-risk strategy with better returns than most, or even all, traditional asset classes. In fact, Mr Miller states, “Investing in timber has proven to be more profitable – and less risky – than any other asset class for almost 100 years.”

According to figures from The Campbell Group, cited in the article, timber returns have averaged 14 per cent each year between 1987 and 2010. In addition, the returns on timber are a lot less volatile than the returns on equity investments, according to the figures.

FRA supports the claim that timber investments are a good idea when the economy is struggling, as it holds its own while other asset classes falter. An example given my Mr Miller is that of the Great Depression, during which timber prices increased by 233 per cent, while stock market values tumbled by 70 per cent.

“Although the effect during the current downturn will not be felt quite as strongly as this, there are several features of timber investment that makes it attractive at times like these,” claimed Peter Collins, FRA’s analysis partner.

One of the best reasons for investing in timber is the lack of pressure on when the investment should be cashed in, Claims FRA. When the tree reaches maturity, if timber prices aren’t great, you can simply hang on in there and watch your asset grow even further. “Most timber-grade trees grow an average of per cent per year – which means that every year you don’t cut them down, they’re worth about eight per cent more,” explained Miller.

Firms like Greenwood Management offer great deals on timber investments, through plantation schemes in Brazil and Canada. Initial outlays needn’t be more than around $10,000 and investors will get a more diverse portfolio in exchange.

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 Plantation Research could hold key to fewer Emissions claims FRA

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FRA has claimed that Swiss research could deliver more efficient timber plantations in the future.

Bainbridge Island, WA, January 27, 2012 – Research from Switzerland holds the key to “more efficient” timber plantations, claims research and analysis consultancy, Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Seattle-based FRA claims that new research from the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland, has found how to optimise forestry plantations in order to minimise bark growth while maximising log growth and quality.

The main researcher, Nic Meyer, explained that bark emits more harmful substances when burned than the rest of the timber. He told environmentalresearchweb: “In our previous investigations we had found that the emissions from burning bark had sent all of our test instruments into overdrive.”

He then found that choosing the right kind of species and spacing the trees out a certain way within a plantation can reduce the amount of bark growth and increase the number of logs a tree can produce.

Using an analysis of spruce and beech plantations in Switzerland, he and research partner Marco Mina, found that certain forestry management techniques, involving thinning crops and carefully timing harvest, for example, could help to reduce bark growth by 20 per cent.

“This could have a major impact on how forestry plantations are managed in the future,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins. He added, “Any techniques that can minimise bark growth and increase quality timber production must be good for forestry investors.”

One of the key findings was that delaying the thinning process until branches had reached between 20cm and 40cm in diameter significantly reduced bark growth. The reduction in bark growth could reduce emissions and costs to countries that specialise in forestry, explained Meyer: “In Switzerland alone, the damage costs from direct emissions from wood combustion activities are estimated to be of the order of 100 million Euro per year.”

FRA advocates forestry investment through plantation schemes, such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada.

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

UK Reforestation plan gets backing of FRA

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FRA has stated its support for a campaign in the UK to embark upon a major reforestation programme in Britain.

Bainbridge Island, WA, January 14, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has stated its support for a campaign in the UK to embark upon a major reforestation programme in Britain.

Our Forests is an organization that hopes to return the UK to the point it was at 1,000 years ago, in terms of the amount of land covered in forests. The plan is to increase forest coverage to 15 per cent of the land, from the current coverage of just under 10 per cent.

“We always support reforestation programmes,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. “Increasing forest cover in the UK will help the country to reduce its carbon emissions through CO2 sequestration.”

Our Forests is a group set up in response to controversial and eventually scrapped plans by the UK government to sell off some of Britain’s forests to private buyers. The group and FRA, a research and analysis consultancy based in the US, claim that adding new forests to the UK will not only contribute to the cutting of carbon emissions but could also create community forests on the edges of towns, while jobs will also be created.

Our Forests is led by Dr Gabriel Hemery, who claims the forest cover in the UK should be returned to the levels recorded in the Domesday Book: “Getting all our woods working, so that they provide the wealth of renewable resources and rich variety of wildlife they are capable of supporting, is vital.”

FRA supports these kinds of reforestation projects in developing countries, such as Brazil, where new forests are being planted in order to try to undo some of the destruction caused by deforestation. Investment firms like Greenwood Management offer foreigners the chance to invest in these projects, which plant non-native plantations as an alternative to using native trees in timber and charcoal production.

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

Vietnam to benefit from Rattan Forestry Project, claims FRA

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Analysts at Forestry Research Associates (FRA) claim that the people of Vietnam, and especially those employed in the rattan producing sector, will reap the benefits of a new WWF fund, sponsored by IKEA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, January 09, 2012 – Analysts at Forestry Research Associates (FRA) claim that the people of Vietnam, and especially those employed in the rattan producing sector, will reap the benefits of a new WWF fund, sponsored by IKEA.

The second phase of the rattan production project is worth an estimated $56,539, which will be spent on several different projects, including sustainable forestry education. FRA said that the investment into sustainable forestry techniques in the production of rattan materials is vital for the future of the industry in Vietnam.

Between January 2012 and June 2014, the project will help to improve the quality of life for those living and working around the rattan industry, while evolving techniques for sustainability and production. The project will also provide seedlings to help develop more managed forests of rattan and bamboo.

“The idea is to provide local people working within the industry with the knowledge and support they need to make sure that the industry can provide a living for their children and grandchildren,” explained FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins.

Those who are expected to benefit form the cash will be educated on the policies and laws in place and will also be guided on forest management techniques.

The project illustrates how investment in forestry in developing countries can not only help them to safeguard a vital industry, but can also generate returns and benefits for investors around the globe. FRA supports sustainable forestry investment projects, such as the one taking place in Brazil, which is run by Greenwood Management. It gives investors from all over the world the chance to invest in a specific piece of plantation land on which fast-growing non-native trees are grown. These trees generate profit as they grow and also provide alternatives to using native trees in the production of charcoal for the steel industry.

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