RISI endorses study on forest and biomass investments

A study on forest industry and biomass energy investments called the South American Tree Farm Update was recently endorsed by RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry.

Robert Flynn, study author and RISI director of international timber said that RISI predicts that South America, especially Brazil, will be the focus of the next surge in timberland investment since it already has more dedicated wood energy plantations than Europe, North America, and Africa combined—areas which have been predicted to double over the coming decade. “This report will be an essential tool for senior managers and analysts wanting to evaluate investment opportunities in this rapidly growing sector,” he added.

The South American Tree Farm Update: Opportunities for Investment in Forest Industry and Biomass Energy Plantations elaborates on an earlier RISI study, the Global Tree Farm & Managed Forest Industry. The study offers a viewpoint on future fiber supplies, as well as the importance of timberland, bioenergy, and carbon markets in the South American plantation forest industry investment opportunities.

The study includes estimates of South American plantation areas, species planted, ownership, and investment trends; an overview of forest-based wood products, and pulp and paper industries, including industry structure timber demand trends and an outlook for new projects; potential investment and timberland possession for North American and European organizations; and descriptions of 80 tree farm investment companies.

The report is also a guide for those who want to know answers to questions like:

• Who have been the major foreign investors in South American plantation forestry, and which countries have they focused on?
• What is the expected role of biomass energy markets in plantation development?
• What influence does the financial crisis have on the plantation log process in South America? and
• What drives plantation development in the region and what are the challenges?

For those who want to get a copy of the South American Tree Farm Update, visit www.risiinfo.com/satreefarm.

RISI is the leading information provider for the global forest products industry. The company works with clients in the timber, wood biomass, wood products, pulp and paper, tissue, nonwovens, printing, and publishing industries and is headquartered in Boston (Bedford), Massachusetts.