Recent Photos of Coffee production in Costa Rica

Pictures courtesy of www.Costaricaphotos.com

Newsletter October 2008

Newsletter November 2008 Finca di Pacifico-2

The “Association of purchasers of plots of Pacifico Dos”, an association for purchasers participating in the Pacifico Dos project, was established in August of last year. The objectives of the association include representation of the interests of the members in connection with the acquisition by members of the relevant plots of land. We welcome this initiative and we are confident that it will benefit communications between ourselves and the plot owners. The management board of the association will also provide regular reports on the progress of the Pacifico Dos project.

Intermediate Harvest

The intermediate harvest was completed in full last month. The timbers involved included teak and melina. During the intermediate harvest the poorest and most bent trees are removed so that even better growth can be expected among the sound trees which remain. Since only the most bent and poorest quality trees are harvested at this stage it is to be expected that the yield per m3 is relatively low. The total return is $ 86,684.48, with costs of cutting, loading etc already deducted, which is more than we had initially calculated. The best, that is to say the straightest trees have been left in place, at around 300 - 400 per hectare.

Before the intermediate harvest could be completed it was necessary to carry out certain maintenance tasks. A number of temporary roads are laid to provide access to the area for the selection and cutting teams and their equipment. This task involved around 45 forestry workers. With the cost of hiring a bulldozer, wages, chainsaws and fuel and the expense of selecting the trees for cutting, this operation cost around $84,120. We will provide the VKK with a detailed breakdown of costs for this operation. Rio Grande Verde y Azul s.a. will bear an element of these costs themselves, namely $ 34,000.As reported above, the return on the intermediate harvest is $86,684.48. An element of this return will go to Rio Grande (in relation to the as yet unsold plots), and the remaining $ 26,911.46 will be transferred to the association in Costa Rica. The association will decide how these funds are to be allocated.

73.6% of the project has been sold, so that 73.6% of the return is destined for the association.26.4% of the project is as yet unsold, so that 26.4% of the return goes to Rio Grande.
The next intermediate harvest will take place in around 3 years, and will deliver appreciably higher profit per m3. In order to avoid any conflict of interest the next intermediate harvest must be organised by the association. It is amazing how quickly the remaining trees respond by expanding their crowns to fill the newly created space. This leads in turn to a rapid increase in the girth of the trunks.

Licences

A meeting was held recently with the team engaged in the implementation of the phased plan relating to the licences. Huite Zijlstra attended on behalf of arte Verde s.a., also present were Ing. J F Nicolas, Topographer Jose Orozco, Geologist Felipe Leon, Dr Alan Astorga and Jos van Veen. All the remaining steps came under discussion during the meeting. A company will be set up to manage the provision of water to the project. This is a statutory requirement in Costa Rica, and a private water supply company will therefore be set up for this purpose. The association will be shareholders in the company. Geologist Felipe Leon has investigated the quantity of water available on the Finca and in the immediate environment, and his findings indicate that there is ample water available for a large-scale project. The expectation is that steps 1 to 11 will be completed during the month of November (see the organigram included in the previous newsletter). If we can continue at this pace we will have completed all the necessary stages by March 2009, and we can make a start with the individual registration of plots on the land registry.

Maintenance

Maintenance In technical forestry terms, the Finca is currently in very good condition. We have experienced some difficulties in receiving the payments for forestry maintenance to Costa Rica, and it is probably a good idea for the association to jointly collect the as yet unpaid maintenance monies for 2008 (which will also save on bank charges), and then to swiftly transfer these to the maintenance company in Costa Rica. This is important because lack of maintenance can result in excessive weed growth between the healthy trees. This means that the vital moisture and nutrients are shared with the elephant grass, with negative consequences for the healthy trees. Maintenance is also important to allow the topographer to carry out his measurements, which are needed for the recording of the plots on the land registry. We would therefore urgently call your attention to the need to get the maintenance funds together as speedily as possible.
Prices Despite the international financial crisis, land prices in Costa Rica continue to increase. Costa Rica continues to be the most popular investment destination in Central America. We have observed this over a period of years, but we also hear similar reports from a variety of Chinese and American financial news sources. The prices of plantation timber have also risen explosively in the last year. Timber is a scarce resource, just like oil. It is also one of very few raw materials which has shown a steady increase throughout the last century, at around 6% per annum. In view of the fact that world population continues to increase, together with the pressure on raw materials from the new economies, you can anticipate that prices will rise with demand rather than falling. We can think in this connection with continuing expansion of economies like China, Russia and Brazil.

Questions from plot-holders: In this section we respond to questions from plot-holders.

• Q- What will be the arrangements for distribution of profits if the trees are harvested again in a couple of years?
• A- Because building will already be taking place on some plots by 2009, the profit from harvesting from a plot will go to the plot owner.
  
• Q- What about water and power connections and so on?
• A- Around $ 1,300 will have to be paid for each connection, regardless of the size of the plot. This is a one-off payment. The water and electricity consumed will also have to be paid for.
  
• Q- When will harvesting be required again?
• A- The next harvest will need to be done in around 3 years.
  
  To receive a full copy of this newsletter by e mail, with included images and tables, please just send an e mail and we will be delighted to forward you a copy by return
  
  
  
  

Costa Rica ranked number 4 in The Move Channels Investment Property Watch Chart for October 2008

The move channel, one of the worlds largest investment properties websites runs an investment property watch chart. Here is what they ahd to say about Costa Rica this month

"At number four on our investment property watch chart was property in Costa Rica, which is fast becoming the next property hot spot with international property investors eagerly anticipating a big boom in the country.

Costa Rica’s popularity has been growing for numerous reasons. With the slow down in the US economy, many US investors are looking abroad for safer markets with bigger potential profits.
The climate and beautiful natural scenery which includes everything from rainforests to volcanoes to beaches ensures that tourism in Costa Rica looks set to remain a prosperous industry for the foreseeable future which drives up demand for property.

Costa Rica is considered by many to be the strongest democracy in Central America with an independent judiciary ensuring the rights of investors. Unlike many other countries, Costa Rica also allows 100 per cent foreign ownership making it easy for US citizens buying investment property in Costa Rica."

To read the full article, click here.

To see more news about investing in Costa Rica and why it is an excellent investment opportunity click here

To have a look at our investment opportunity in Costa Rica which gives you a double investment in teak and development land have a look at our website http://www.costaricainvest.ie/ or give us a call on +353 1 272 4184.

Don't buy into these 3 investment myths

I came across an interesting article on the Motely Fool Blog talking about preparing for retirement titled "don't buy in to these 3 investment myths"



It makes for amusing and interesting reading and stresses the importance of a medium to long term approach to investing.



Those who dare win (at least over the medium to long term!!)



Enjoy the article

New round of funding for Di Pacifico Dos Ltd. launched

A new round of funding for Di Pacifico Dos Ltd. has been launched.

Di Pacifico Dos Ltd. is a vehicle set up specifically for self administered pension fund holders to invest in Finca Di Pacifico in Costa Rica. The minimum investment is €25,000 and thereafter multiples thereof. The term of the investment is 8 years and the projected return on Investment (ROI) is 23% per annum (CAR).

The investment is in development land in Costa Rica which comes with the added value and security of teak growing on the land.

Click here to read the recent press release.

Contact Marina Villatoro

To Contact Marina, just fill in Your Contact Information below Marina Will be in contact ASAP. Have a great trip to Costa Rica!
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Check all that apply:	Volcano Rainforest Beach Osa Peninsula Nicoya Peninsula San Jose Hotel Accomodation Car Rental Car and bilingual driver Adventure Tour Eco Tour National Park Hiking Snorkeling / Diving Whale / Dolphin Watching Zip Lining / Canopy Tours Sailing Sport FIshing Surfing

Finca Rosa Blanca earns perfect score in sustainable tourism certification

The Costa Rican Tourist Board and National Accreditation Commission run a sustainable tourism certification program which measures tourism developments sustainability in four particular areas.

It ranks performance in each of these areas on a five stage marking system with a maximum score of 5 green leaves in each area. Your overall sustainable tourisn score is the lowest score you have received in any of these areas.



Finca Rosa Blanca has achieved five green leaves status with an unprecedented 100% score in each area.


Located close to Santa Bárbara de Heredia and now in operation for over 20 years, Finca Rosa Blanca received an upgrade and facelift last year.

Chrisopher P. Baker in his Moon Handbook: Costa Rica mentions“Finca Rosa Blanca is one of Costa Rica’s—nay, the world’s!—preeminent boutique hotels, opened in 1989.Inspired by Gaudí’s architectonics and the Santa Fe style, the hotel is conceived as if from a fairy tale. Qué linda!".

To read a full report you can read the Tico Times article here

Related: Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica

Sustainable tourism program

Costa Rica runs a sustainable tourism program and this program provides certification for sustainable tourism developments in Costa Rica. T

The Certification for Sustainable Tourism program categorizes and certifies tourism companies according to the degree to which their operations comply with a model of sustainability. Four fundamental aspects are evaluated:

1. Physical-biological parameters: interaction between the company and its surrounding natural habitat.
2. Infrastructure and services: management policies and operational systems within the company and its infrastructure.
3. External clients: interaction of the company with its clients in terms of how much it allows and invites the client to be an active contributor to its sustainability policies.
4. Socioeconomic environment: interaction of the company with local communities and the population in general.

Companies may score up to five levels in each category. The final rating of “green leaves” corresponds to the lowest level achieved in any of the above evaluation areas (so if you score 5 green leaves in four of the areas and only three in one area your overall rating is 3 green leaves). This is to encourage companies to advance toward a model of sustainability by giving the same degree of consideration and importance to each of the four areas evaluated.
For more information, visit the Certification for Sustainable Tourism website.

Peter Quealy IFG Mortggages Alliance Partnership.

We had a very succesful launch of our alliance partnership with Peter Quealy of IFG mortgages in Dungarvan yesterday evening (6th of November), with a presentation to Peter's clients in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan.

The weather was terrible but people still braved the elements and thank you to all who attended.

It was great to meet Peter's clients and to talk to them about our investment opportunity.

We had lots of questions on the night and plenty of positive feedback. People clearly liked the "difference" of our investment and the double investment opportunity.

We are looking forward to our partnership with Peter and his team.

Click here to read our press release.

Do you live close to Dungarvan, Ireland?

Do you live close to Dungarvan and would you like to see a presentation of our investment in teak on development land in person.

If so we would be delighted to invite you to the The Park Hotel, Dungarvan on Thursday the 6th Nov at 7.30pm.

We are holding the presentation in association with Peter Quealy IFG Mortgages, Dungarvan our local repersentative in the Dungarvan area.

There will be a short presentation (20 minutes) followed by questions and answers, and tea and coffee will be available afterwards.

If you would like to come just give John McKenzie in our office a call on +353 1 272 4184 or drop him an e mail to johnm@costaricainvest.ie. Alternately you can drop Peter an e mail to peter.quealy@ifgmortgages.ie or call Peter on 058 20060

When are Costa Rica's public holidays?

Costa Rica Culture

Costa Rica's Holidays

Costa Rica is a Catholic country and it’s holidays are mostly church-related. Most businesses, including banks, close on official holidays. The country closes down entirely during the biggest holiday time, Easter Holy Week, but only during Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday, by Holy Sunday, some services might be available, but don't count on it in remote parts of the country. Buses stop running on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Banks and offices are closed. And hotels and car rentals are booked solid weeks in advance as everyone seems to head for the beach. Avoid the popular beaches during Easter week. Most Ticos now take the whole Christmas holiday week through New Year as an unofficial holiday. Easter is a perfect opportunity to see colorful religious processions. Individual towns also celebrate their patron saint’s day: highlights usually include a procession, plus bullfights, rodeos, dancing, and other parades. Fireworks and firecrackers are a popular part of local fiestas and church celebrations.

This is the list of the main and official holidays in Costa Rica:

• January 1st: New Year’s Day, celebrated with a big dance in San Jose’s Parque Central.
• March 19th: St. Joseph’s Day, patron saint of San Jose and San Jose province.
• Easter: Holy Week, Semana Santa. Dates vary annually but businesses will often close for the entire week preceding Easter weekend.
• April 11th: Juan Santamaria Day. Public holiday to commemorate the national hero who fought at the battle of Rivas against the American invader William Walker in 1856.
• May 1st: Labor Day. Dia de los Trabajadores.
• June: Corpus Christi
• June 29th: St. Peter and St. Paul’s Day
• July 25th: Guanacaste Day. To mark the annexation of Guanacaste from Nicaragua in 1824.
• August 2nd: Virgin de los Angeles Day. Patron saint of Costa Rica.
• August 15th: Mother’s Day and Assumption Day
• September 15th: Independence Day, with big patriotic parades celebrates Costa Rica’s independence from Spain in 1821.
• October 12th: Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day). Limon province only, marked by carnival, which take place in the week prior to October 12.
• November 2nd: All soul’s Day
• December 8th: Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
• December 25th: Christmas Day. Family-oriented celebrations with trips to the beach. Much consumption of apples and grapes.

Article Provided By infostarica.com