FAQ's

1.  Can Jatropha be grown in the United States?

Yes. Due to extensive research over the last two years we are now planting Jatropha in selected areas of the US and Mexico.

2.  When will the first harvest be?

We project that the first commercial harvest to be in year 2, followed by annual harvests through year 25.  

3.  Do I have to pay income tax on the increase in value of my trees each year?

No. Even though your trees are growing in size and value, you will not have to report their increase in value or pay any income tax until you actually receive the proceeds from the sale of your Jatropha seeds.

This is unlike many other investments where you have to pay tax on the interest you earn each year, even if the interest is not paid out to you.

4.  What if I need cash before my trees produce seeds or during the 25 year term?

You have the right to sell or transfer your trees at any time to whomever you choose. We will be happy to assist in preparing appropriate transfer documents. We cannot guarantee the sale or value of your trees, but because we are constantly in contact with tree owners and others interested in owning trees, we will likely be able to help find a buyer for your trees.   

5.  If I travel to Costa Rica or India to inspect my trees, is the cost of my trip deductible?

You should consult your tax advisor to answer this question. Generally, you are allowed to deduct the transportation and lodging costs of a trip if the principal purpose of your trip is for business, and your purpose and activities on the trip are well documented. Even if your trip does qualify for a business deduction, only a portion of your food and beverage expenses are deductible. Again, ask your tax advisor for details.

6.  How politically stable are India and Costa Rica?

India is now recognized as a country of major importance to the US both politically and economically.  With a growing educated middle class the economies of India and the US are closely linked.

Costa Rica has enjoyed more than a century of democracy and peace. It is the oldest democracy in all of Latin America.   Like the US, the Costa Rican government consists of three branches, the executive branch ( the presidency and ministries), the judicial branch ( the supreme court, and district and appellate courts), and the legislative branch ( the assembly or legislature).

India & Costa Rica are governments of law, and like the US, both constitutions guarantee human rights, private property, and equality before the law - for citizens and non-citizens alike.

7.   Are hurricanes a problem?

Although hurricanes have occasionally struck the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, an 11,000 foot mountain range runs north and south through the center of the country, sheltering the Pacific side where our plant farms are located.  As for our farms in India, no hurricane has ever struck in the area of our farms.

8.   Are there diseases or pests which will destroy my trees?

We have chosen only those varieties of Jatropha which thrive in the area of our plantations. For added security, however, our team of scientists and workers will continue to monitor all of the trees, and can quiclky respond at the first sign of any problem.

9.  What reports will I receive?

After your trees are planted and marked in the field, we will send you a copy of their entry into the Tree Registry, showing the exact quantity, and planting year of your trees, and the farm, field and rows where they are planted.

Thereafter, we will send you copies of the Tree Owners News to keep you informed about the farms and your tropical trees.

After each harvest, we will send you a precise accounting of the number of your trees harvested and the volume of seeds produced.  We will also tell you what the applicable price per pound of seed was that we used in determining your net proceeds from the harvest.

10.  When are the trees actually planted?

Our trees are moved from the nurseries to the field on a semi continuous basis in India and during the main part of the rainy season, usually beginning in early June, after the rains have become more regular with regard to our farms in Costa Rica.

11.  If I have other questions?

We invite you to call or e-mail us if you would like more information, or if you have any questions at all.