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written by reader Agri-investments – Simply Natural

By Anonymous Questions, August 15, 2015

Has anyone had any specific experience with Simply Natural, who are offering agri-investments in mango and lime farms in Panama. Legit or scam….?
http://simplynaturalfarms.com/

This is a discussion topic or guest posting submitted by a Stock Gumshoe reader. The content has not been edited or reviewed by Stock Gumshoe, and any opinions expressed are those of the author alone.

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Brian
Guest
Brian
December 2, 2015 10:21 pm

I’m just wondering if you had any feedback from anyone on Simply Natural, or if you yourself have gone ahead and invested with them?
Thanks
B

Suzanne
Guest
Suzanne
June 15, 2016 2:27 pm
Reply to  Brian

Hi Brian,
Did you eve hear from anyone about investing with Simply Natural?
Thanks,
Suzanne

Laura Welliver
Guest
Laura Welliver
January 9, 2019 11:40 pm
Reply to  Suzanne

Hi suzanne, Have you heard anymore about simply natural?

joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
February 3, 2021 3:37 pm
Reply to  Laura Welliver

I own many hectares and for the 2020 season I was told it was a total crop loss, I was paid nothing

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joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
August 11, 2021 9:36 am
Reply to  joelossantos

I was at the farm yesterday. Weeds as high as the trees. Vines completely covering trees so you cant see the tree at all, choking it out. Why did we pay for 5 years of farm maintenance that was never done. Why did Lie and Invest overseas tell us there would be unbelievable profits from Organic produce shipped internationally, when all they do it pick a little fruit to sell locally to cover their costs. This is a total rip off Ponzi Scheme. We have a attorney and are going after the fraudulent family!

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Kit L.
Member
Kit L.
January 23, 2022 12:09 pm
Reply to  joelossantos

Joel, I am on the same boat as you. Looking for a good attorney as well. Please send me your legal teams information. There is power in numbers.

Cindi
Guest
Cindi
February 12, 2020 11:26 pm
Reply to  Brian

I invested with them in 2014, they project these great returns on your investment but the crop yields are nowhere near what the promise. The crop yields haven’t increased in 3 years but now the crop care fee kicked in and that eats up most of the profit. I’m getting about a 1% return , nowhere near the 18% they protected I would earn this year.

Mark Rafter
Guest
Mark Rafter
February 13, 2020 9:21 am
Reply to  Cindi

Hi Cindi – are those returns and decreased crop yields for mangoes or were you still in the period where they were doing proceeds from intercropping (since discontinued)? I invested in 2016 and am being told first crop will be this year, income paid January of next year. We’ll see!

Mark

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Dave
Guest
Dave
February 16, 2020 9:25 pm
Reply to  Cindi

I invested in 2015 in mangos. Just got annual disbursement statement for year 4. The income is only 34% of what the projections were. A huge miss.

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Brian
Member
Brian
February 20, 2020 1:15 pm
Reply to  Dave

For those that don’t know me, my name is Brian and I work for Simply Natural. Simply Natural farm owners may recall that when the farmland is purchased, we also enter into a sharecropping agreement with our farm owners that covers the cost of preparing the land, growing saplings in our greenhouses, installing the irrigation system, planting the saplings, fertilization, general crop management and harvesting. These costs are paid for upfront and cover all expenses incurred in the first 3 ½ years. Therefore, in the early years, there are no additional expenses until year 4 when an annual crop care fee is assessed. For mangos, for example, this fee is $2,500; in year 5 and thereafter the annual fee is $5,000. Once the crops begin producing, AgVisors (the farm management company) and the farm owner share the net income with 30% going to Simply Natural and 70% to the farm owner. This creates a system whereby the farm owner and the farm management company are connected and share both the risks and rewards. It ensures that Simply Natural has skin in the game; if the harvest is good Simply Natural profits and if the harvest is meager, they don’t.

While yields have increased steadily year-over-year, this last year’s harvest was lower than projected. Bear in mind that growing mangos, limes or avocados isn’t manufacturing where you can plug in a set of inputs and receive a definitive widget output. This is farming – Mother Nature and the trees don’t always cooperate. 2019, in particular, was impacted by higher than normal rains that hit when the mangos were flowering. Rain is obviously a good thing unless it’s knocking the blossoms off your tree. Fewer blossoms, fewer fruit. This is especially hard on young trees whose blossoms are not as hardy; in addition, the total volume of flowers is not as great as a mature tree.

This is why we don’t focus on the annual return on investment (ROI) projections but rather the internal rate of return (IRR) that is calculated over a 20- or 30-year period. We have been advised by our farm management team that production goals, especially in the early years of a plantation, can certainly fluctuate but that they are very comfortable with the 17% IRR projection they initially forecast. This is in line with our corporate-owned land that has been in production longer as well as our experience with growing mangos in Peru and avocados in Mexico.

You may also recall that in 2018 Simply Natural ceased inter-cropping in favor of planting more trees on each hectare. The loss of the inter-cropping income reduces the net earnings in the short run but once the new trees mature, they will more than make up for the temporary shortfall. Remember, too, that although the IRR is a 20 to 30-year projection, mangos have a productive life of 60 to 80 years, limes 50-plus years and avocados over 100 years. These are long-term investments that will benefit your heirs.

Year over year disbursements will have a degree of volatility, meaning some year’s disbursements will fall short and some years disbursements will beat estimates as that is the inherent nature of agriculture and how fruit-producing trees in general work, which is why the IRR method is used because it captures the overall estimations over time. With the expanded implementation of the irrigation technology, we anticipate mitigating some of these fluctuations. The first 5-6 years of production are especially prone to fluctuations as these are new trees and new plantations; however, the AgVisors team is very confident in the overall IRR numbers as trees mature and catch up. In years 7, 8, 9 and 10 is when production levels out, in part because the SupPlant irrigation technology can be used to artificially “stress” mature trees to produce more and healthier fruit.

I hope I have addressed your concerns, but I invite anyone with additional questions to contact me directly at bogrady@simplynaturalrealestate.com to discuss the specifics of your situation. I am a Simply Natural farm owner and would be happy to set up a call so you can ask any questions you like.

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joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
February 3, 2021 4:09 pm
Reply to  Dave

What did you get for 2020? joelossantos.com

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joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
February 12, 2021 5:16 pm
Reply to  Dave

Can you contact me at joelossantos at outlook

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James
Guest
James
April 16, 2020 6:46 am
Reply to  Cindi

Hey Cindi is your investment in the lime plantation?

joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
February 12, 2021 5:14 pm
Reply to  Cindi

Can you contact me at joelossantos at outlook

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Lizz
Member
Lizz
February 13, 2021 1:14 pm
Reply to  joelossantos

You might try joining this group on FB. I’ve met a few ppl there who are owners at Simply Natural. I’d take any feedback from SN salesperson with a grain of salt. Good luck.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/agaltinvest

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Kit L.
Member
Kit L.
January 23, 2022 12:16 pm
Reply to  Cindi

Cindi, in the above thread JOELOSSANTOS has an attorney. We need to find an attorney and take care of this in a legal fashion. I purchased in 2016 and still no title. Live and invest overseas is bad news. I have an avocado farm with zero returns and it’s now 2022.

J
Guest
J
February 13, 2016 12:47 am

Would love to hear the same too.

Suzanne
Guest
Suzanne
June 15, 2016 2:26 pm
Reply to  J

Hi J,
I am also interested in investors experiences with Simply Natural’s Mango farm investment
in Panama. Did anyone ever respond to your posting?
Thanks,
Suzanne

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Joe
Member
Joe
June 2, 2021 12:41 pm
Reply to  Suzanne

So far the 2021 Mango season is a 50% crop loss. I was there yesterday and mangos all over the ground rotting, ripe and bad mangos all over the trees. Not enough are being picked because they are not exporting and there is little demand in Panama. Just another bad investment. joelossantos

Eric
Eric
June 22, 2016 12:56 am

I’m also interested in investors experience with simply natural in panama?

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Joe
Member
Joe
June 2, 2021 12:42 pm
Reply to  Eric

Mangos not being picked, 50% crop loss so far. Welcome to Panama. joelossantos.com

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Andy
Member
Andy
June 22, 2016 12:24 pm

After posting the initial question last year, I have actually visited the Simply Natural development in Panama. It is very real and very impressive. I did subsequently invest based on what I saw and the “comfort factor” this visit gave me.
6 months later I do not have clear title in my name yet, but there have been recent moves on this front and red flags are not being raised; this is all within the timeline I was originally advised to expect.

Before my visit, I did find the developer very willing to answer a whole bunch of questions that I raised as part of the initial due diligence. I strongly recommend you do your own due diligence and ask questions as well; it is a very unusual investment offering and does need some understanding.

I hope this helps.

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Mark Smither
Guest
Mark Smither
October 26, 2016 2:24 pm
Reply to  Andy

Hey Andy. It’s been a few months and I was wondering if you secured title in your name yet. Thanks, Mark

Andy
Member
Andy
October 26, 2016 3:40 pm
Reply to  Mark Smither

Mark. Nearly there. Delay was my side trying to get Apostille done on documents. Now solved. I am comfortable that this is moving forward.

Rob
Guest
Rob
March 25, 2017 10:47 am
Reply to  Andy

Hi Andy
Did your title come through?

Thanks
Rob

Andy
Member
Andy
April 15, 2017 7:04 pm
Reply to  Rob

Not yet…much to my frustration. I am told it will take another 12 weeks. I must admit that this is becoming a concern. Anyone else had problems (or better still, received title)?

Michael
Guest
Michael
April 19, 2017 7:16 pm
Reply to  Andy

I visited the Simply Natural farm last month in a large group. I was greatly impressed by the operation. I met someone who invested a few years ago. While he was happy with his investment, it took him two years to receive title. You are dealing with a third-world bureaucracy, so some investors may receive title in six months, some in a year, and some may take two years.

stonewalker
stonewalker
April 29, 2017 8:40 am
Reply to  Michael

I guess we’re in the two year group, even though (as my wife just said) they PROMISED us it would be done last December.

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Bob Meier
Guest
Bob Meier
August 9, 2018 10:42 pm
Reply to  stonewalker

Hey stone walker did you finally get your title?

Stonewalker
Stonewalker
February 17, 2020 4:45 pm
Reply to  Bob Meier

Actually, I finally received my last title last month – over four years after the investment. I also will soon receive my first disbursement. As someone noted above, the yield is only about 1/3 of projected, though the costs remain.

Laura Welliver
Guest
Laura Welliver
January 9, 2019 11:44 pm
Reply to  stonewalker

have you received your dividend check or your title

Guest
Guest
Guest
May 27, 2019 2:35 pm
Reply to  stonewalker

I purchased a simply natural pineapple product eight months ago–no title on lans, little contact; I was thinking of more products but I am still wondering if it is a scam? Any information on the company or their products?

bgodiver
Member
bgodiver
May 28, 2019 10:49 am
Reply to  Guest

Hello! My name is Brian O’Grady and I work for Simply Natural.

The titling process in Panama is quite complicated and takes an average of 16 months. The paperwork must go through 4 different government agencies — bureaucracy on steroids!

Simply Natural is a vertically integrated, international company with operations in 7 countries. We not only provide an excellent financial return on a low-risk asset, but we have our own corporate farm holdings and purchase from many co-op partners in Peru and elsewhere. Our subsidiary, Simply Natural Harvest, ensures you have a buyer for your crops and manages harvesting, processing, packing, sales and shipping.

At this time the Fruit Basket offering is closed, but we also have Rainforest Lime, Fruit Punch Mango and Tropical Avocado hectares for sale.

I would be happy to follow-up on your Fruit Basket purchase and the status of your title. Please email me at: bogrady@simplynaturalrealestate.com

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Karen
Guest
Karen
June 26, 2021 4:50 pm
Reply to  bgodiver

Brian, I purchased mango and avocado hectares from Simply Natural in late 2017/early 2018. Your sales literature states annual returns from year 3. I’m curious if the current literature is still saying this. The reason I am asking is because as of February, 2021 we received an email stating that our trees have not even been planted yet!! Of course we haven’t heard anything about the titling process for at least 2 years. We heard it takes a long time and is a cumbersome process. We are now on year 4. No trees in the ground, no titles in hand. Is this what you’re telling new potential investors they should expect?

Cynthia
Guest
Cynthia
June 26, 2021 10:50 pm
Reply to  bgodiver

I invested in mangoes in 2014, after 7 years I still haven’t seen any returns. I was finally able to have someone visit my land and take pictures. Apparently, I have almost no tress, what was there died over the years and were never replaced.

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joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
February 12, 2021 5:18 pm
Reply to  Guest

Can you contact me at joelossantos at outlook

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Gregory Evans
Guest
Gregory Evans
January 25, 2018 11:40 am
Reply to  Michael

Hello Michael, was wondering what group you checked out the farm with? Any other trips or investments coming up?

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Joe
Member
Joe
June 2, 2021 12:46 pm
Reply to  Michael

Titles dont matter, until you want to sell your land, like all of us do. 50% at least crop loss going on right now. No export, trying to sell the mangos in the country where mangos lay all over the ground. Makes no sense. joelossantos

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Rob
Guest
Rob
May 7, 2017 4:55 am
Reply to  Andy

Andy/Stonewalker,
I have my fingers and toes crossed for you both. I noticed some interesting changes on the web recently:
1. http://simplynaturalinvestments.com/index.html is now HrVest Holdings an agri business private equity firm. They are not listed in open corporates and I could find no explanation on SNI Facebook of the change.

2. http://www.campoorganico.com
who provide farm management to SNI has been offline for weeks

Both of these could just be an employee of both that doesn’t know how to run a website but it certainly didn’t boost my confidence.

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ret
Guest
ret
December 18, 2017 10:37 pm
Reply to  Andy

I invested in mango plantation in Sept 2014. Still no title.

joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
February 3, 2021 3:39 pm
Reply to  ret

I dont have my title either, but I am more concerned with the lack of payout

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Joe Los Santos
Member
Joe Los Santos
February 18, 2021 12:33 pm
Reply to  ret

can you contact me at joelossantos at outlook dot com

stonewalker
stonewalker
April 29, 2017 8:39 am
Reply to  Andy

We invested in early 2016 also and STILL have no clear title. I get responses telling me that one thing or another is holding it all up, but sixteen months is a long time. Maybe not in Panama.
I was impressed with what we saw, though I’ll admit we invested sight unseen and visited when we could. The sales guy was a little dicey, but nice enough. Just a sales mentality. As long as he thought we might invest more we got a lot of attention, and he did seem to appreciate our visit, though that was a disaster (not related to Simply Natural – they were great).
At this point, until I actually get a title, I’m not sure I’d recommend the investment. I liked what I saw, but this is a long time without security and I am a bit afraid we’ll lose our significant investment.

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ret
Guest
ret
December 18, 2017 10:36 pm
Reply to  stonewalker

I invested in Sept 2014 and still do not have title. One delay after another. The simply natural people are very slow on responding to questions.

Joe
Member
Joe
June 2, 2021 12:47 pm
Reply to  stonewalker

50% of the mangos are rotting right now. they are only picking a small amount to sell in Panama, a country that has mango’s all over the ground. this was a scam. joelossantos

Bob Meier
Guest
Bob Meier
August 9, 2018 10:41 pm
Reply to  Andy

Andy do you have your title yet?

Laura Welliver
Guest
Laura Welliver
January 9, 2019 11:42 pm
Reply to  Andy

andy, have you received any income yet? or your title

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Andy
Member
Andy
January 10, 2019 4:54 pm
Reply to  Laura Welliver

Yes to both. Got title for Limes last year and also intercrop income. Still waiting for Avocado title

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Daniella
Guest
Daniella
September 2, 2019 10:53 am
Reply to  Laura Welliver

Hi, we bought three years ago, 2 hectares and still no title. We received an amendment of the contract to be signed, but are concerned about this company.

J. Keith Howie
Guest
November 2, 2016 4:35 pm

Hi,
I am a Simply Natural investor. Here is a travel blog that I write that has three articles about Simply Natural. Our experience has been highly favorable.
https://jkeithhowie.com/2016/10/23/mangos-money-and-more-chapter-3/

Andy
Member
Andy
November 14, 2016 4:09 pm
Reply to  J. Keith Howie

Side topic on a similar subject; has anyone looked at teak plantation investments offered by Hardwood Unlimited?

Scott
Guest
Scott
July 6, 2017 8:40 am
Reply to  Andy

Hi Andy,
I am looking at a Hardwoods Unlimited investment now. Did you ever proceed and are you satisfied? The were referred to me by a trustworthy contact, but one can not be too careful.
Thank you.

Andy
Member
Andy
July 9, 2017 12:01 pm
Reply to  Scott

Hi Scott – I passed on this one in the end; more to do with timings involved than anything else.

James
Guest
James
December 25, 2016 10:28 pm

Visiting Simply natural in panama in February tour. Hoping for follow through on there part after they receive funds. Such as title plantings and selling of fruit with the 30/70 split of profits after expenses when the time comes. Plan seems great but I did dig up another company that fleeced folks out of 35k and delivered nothing and they had no recourse with a similar farm in a box scenario. Just looking for a reason to believe from an outsider who knows. I’ve ran a tree removal and trimming business for 30 years and looking for an investment for some savings but would really hurt us if it is only a scam to separate us from hard to earn money

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Thomas Altum
Member
Thomas Altum
January 28, 2017 2:55 pm
Reply to  James

I’m also considering investing in an Avocado farm that Simply Natural has in Panama. Mangos are another option we may consider as well. The sales pitch and accompanying material sounds great. But having read about similar scams, like you, I’m trying to perform due diligence to ensure I don’t get fleeced out of money I can’t afford to lose. I was hoping some people who had gone this route before would be able to provide some guidance.

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joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
February 3, 2021 3:40 pm
Reply to  Thomas Altum

I dont see a way I can contact you to discuss my experience with them

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Thomas Altum
Member
Thomas Altum
February 4, 2021 1:11 am
Reply to  joelossantos

You can reach me at taltum@hotmail.com. I’ve held off investing with them until they had a verifiable track record of payouts and title delivery. From what I’ve seen I may have been right to be cautious…

Greg
Guest
Greg
March 27, 2017 10:56 pm
Reply to  James

Hello James,
How did the visit go? Pleas tell us about the experience, and did you wire them all your cash?

Cheers,
Greg

Rob
Guest
Rob
March 1, 2017 7:31 am

Andy
Did you ever get the title? Has anyone else invested?

Thanks
Rob

sekhars
Guest
sekhars
March 6, 2017 9:25 am

I visited them in Feb 2017 and I am interested in Mango and Avacado farms I met their Campoorganico -the management team and he seems to be well informed. It is impressive to the least. Only worry in my part is not able to select the location of your plot as they decide it, though development is great and still needs to check the market aspect of the mangos and avacado’s as the sale pitch of 17% return has to be verified. It seems this will also qualify one for friendly visa of Panama, I am gathering more info and likely invest if all due diligence is done. I would also like to connect with people who are interested in such an investment

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Aaron
Guest
Aaron
March 10, 2017 9:15 pm
Reply to  sekhars

Hello, I’m also interested to invest in the avocado land. I’m thinking of visiting them in June. Can we talk offline?

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Bob
Guest
Bob
August 8, 2017 6:26 am
Reply to  sekhars

Sekhars, I was looking at this as a way of fulfilling the friendly visa requirements for property/business ownership. Have you compiled any additional information that you could share?

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Joe
Member
Joe
June 2, 2021 12:50 pm
Reply to  Bob

50% crop loss going on right now, be careful

Greg
Guest
Greg
March 16, 2017 6:10 pm

I am also interested in the development, please contact me off line if you want to chat.
Harvest of avocados happen in April/May.

Alain
Guest
April 2, 2017 3:56 pm
Reply to  Greg

Dear,

Is this facebook Group already active?

Kind regards
Alain

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D S
Guest
D S
April 23, 2017 3:25 pm
Reply to  Alain

Hi Aaron –
I am also interested in investing in this and want to learn more. I have sent you a email to join the facebook group.

Thanks

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Garth
Guest
Garth
May 10, 2017 10:25 am
Reply to  D S

I have invested in Simply Natural and am also awaiting title. I get put off alot when I inquire. Becoming concerned. How do I join the Facebook group.

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Mike M
Member
Mike M
June 14, 2017 6:58 am
Reply to  Alain

Aaron
I am looking at this investment. Sent you an email to join the Facebook group. Have not heard a reply.
Thanks in advance for the information.

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Rob
Guest
Rob
July 3, 2017 12:58 pm
Reply to  Mike M

Is there really a Facebook Group? There is no active website for CPRPacific.com so not sure what is going on with that one.

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Omar Vargas
Guest
Omar Vargas
April 21, 2019 10:33 pm
Reply to  Mike M

Hello! Im looking to invest in simply natural I’ve been following the comments here and would like to hear from the guys that already invest and are getting return please add me to the facebook group

Brian
Member
Brian
April 22, 2019 9:18 am
Reply to  Omar Vargas

Omar… I did a lot of research before investing and have received returns on my investment. I was so impressed with Simply Natural that I went to work for them last year. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. You can email me at: bogrady@simplynaturalrealestate.com. I look forward to assisting you.

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Lizz
Guest
Lizz
April 22, 2019 2:57 pm
Reply to  Omar Vargas

Hi Omar, we have a group of investors discussing numerous Ag opportunities here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agaltinvest/

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Karen
Guest
Karen
June 26, 2021 4:42 pm
Reply to  Omar Vargas

Hi Omar,
We purchased avocados and mangos with Simply Natural Investments. We signed purchase agreements in Dec., 2017. We rarely get communication from them. Our last email update on our specific parcels was in Feb., 2021. We were told that our trees are not even planted yet! Verbally when we purchased, we had been told that they would be planted 3 months after purchase and that by 2022 we would be getting some dispursement from fruit sales. I have no idea when or if we will ever see any returns on our investments. We also do not have any titles to our land.

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Joe
Member
Joe
May 25, 2021 9:04 am
Reply to  Greg

Mangos all sitting on the trees, only rip ones being picked. Not happy about this. I need a check this year

Robert
Guest
Robert
May 5, 2017 6:10 pm

I too am interested in the Avocado Investment. Do they start planting the tree’s on your plot even though you do not have title?
Thanks
Bob

Andy
Member
Andy
July 3, 2017 5:22 pm
Reply to  Robert

My understanding is they do not need to wait for title to start planting; they do this in parallel. So it does not delay returns.

I see they are also saying the first batch of investors have received returns on intercropping; this is unverified but looks promising if true!

William Packheiser
Member
William Packheiser
November 1, 2018 10:54 pm
Reply to  Andy

I did receive intercropping but also no title. My investment was through my self directed IRA and it gets more complicated.

Rob
Guest
Rob
July 3, 2017 12:32 pm

I am very close to investing in the Avocado Farm with Simply Natural but am concerned about the discussion concerning delays in obtaining title. Doesn’t sound like anybody has actually received title yet. Has anyone started receiving any returns at all from previous offerings from this company?

Joe
Member
Joe
May 25, 2021 9:07 am
Reply to  Rob

No returns from 2020 crop and now 2021 crop just sitting on the trees, what will be the excuse this year. joelossantos.com

Rob
Guest
Rob
July 6, 2017 12:16 pm

To all who have posted on this page – I have not had any luck with the Facebook page that Aaron was supposed to have set up. So I have set up a Group on Facebook to discuss any questions you have. I myself am very close to investing in the Avocado farm. I am no expert in this area – I simply set up a group to see if I can help facilitate questions and discussions. The group name is Investing in International Agriculture. Just search it out on Facebook and request to join. Whether you want to vent about Simply Natural or have heard of other similar type opportunities, I would love to exchange information. The group is a Closed group which means the conversations are limited to members. I just didn’t want it flooded with ads, spam, etc. Hope to hear from you all.

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AMARNATH VENKATASWAMY
Guest
AMARNATH VENKATASWAMY
July 24, 2017 4:06 pm
Reply to  Rob

I am planning to sign the agreement this week.
Let me know if you find anything wrong in this investment.

Joe
Member
Joe
June 2, 2021 12:54 pm

did you sign? 50% crop loss going on right now, mangos rotting on the trees

Yves Sautter
Guest
Yves Sautter
August 22, 2017 5:18 pm
Reply to  Rob

Hi Rob, I could not locate the “Investing in International Agriculture” group on FB. Is it live and running?

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Alex
Guest
August 1, 2017 3:53 pm

There’s a great Facebook group which discusses the Simply Natural Investment Opportunity. Based on the facts discovered, I didn’t feel comfortable making the investment. Any other ag investment suggestions? Thanks!

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Scott Christie
Guest
Scott Christie
December 17, 2018 2:08 pm
Reply to  Alex

could you briefly describe the facts you discovered?

Ryan
Guest
September 27, 2017 2:14 am

The facebook group for Alternative Investments (including Simply Natural) can be found via the link attached. I found the feedback by Alex on July 20th to be quite helpful and insightful. I too have passed.

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Ryan
Guest
September 27, 2017 2:15 am

Ooops, I forgot to attach link in previous email.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/simplynaturalinvestors/

Patrick
Guest
Patrick
November 6, 2018 7:23 pm
Reply to  Ryan

Hi there, it seems this facebook page is down.

Greg Barlow
Guest
Greg Barlow
December 20, 2017 6:38 pm

Hello Kyie,
What can you share about the company and its principals?

Thx,
Greg

Kylie
Member
Kylie
February 22, 2018 11:45 pm
Reply to  Greg Barlow

Hi Greg, sorry, just saw your reply now. Did you see the posts on the FB Group? This will probably answer your questions.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/simplynaturalinvestors/

Brian
Member
Brian
February 17, 2018 11:26 am

After a lot of research, meeting with the president of Simply Natural in Panama City, independent meetings with ag investment brokers, visiting the farm twice, and having the contracts reviewed by my attorney, I have made four separate investments with SN. I received my first payments this year and I am very impressed with the administrative staff, the management and the farm team.

I grew up around agriculture so I feel confident in my due diligence. Some of the things to consider are reliable access to water (they are located on a major river, which they have legal access to, in addition to building an extensive irrigation and retention pond system); since organic crops sell at a premium, are they truly organic (I read thru the actual certification docs in the USDA database); do they have a history of delivering to market (Simply Natural is really just a marketing organization for the purpose of expanding the land under cultivation for Campo Organico, the actual farmers. Campo Organico has a decades’ old history of success. In addition, SN has independently secured long-term contracts with companies such as Whole Foods.); do you actually own the land (Although it takes a while to get the deeds, this is due to dealing with a Panamanian bureaucracy that is inherently slow. I spoke with SN’s deed administrator two days ago and they have learned thru the initial deeding process to complete the platting prior to starting the deeding, which should speed up the process by at least six months. I have two of my deeds and anticipate having the other two by year-end.); is the operation financially viable (SN has been around for over five years now and did $125 million in business last year while continuing to expand their offerings and operations, while making their payouts on time.).

I am very bullish on SN. I receive regular updates on my investments, the upgrades to the overall project, the substantial expansion of SN, they have taken their social responsibility to the community and their workers very seriously. A school, church and new housing has been built and more is on the way. They are improving the lives of their work force while delivering on the financial promises.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to post them here. I can put you in touch with an independent broker who represents investment opportunities in Paraguay, Columbia, Nicaragua and Panama. He is very high on Simply Natural and can give you an independent appraisal of their operations.

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O.D.
Guest
O.D.
March 24, 2018 8:17 pm
Reply to  Brian

Very intersting post.. thank you. SO they did $125 Million USD in business last year… but paid out to investors exactly half of projected payment… how strange… I also bought a couple of hectares and have been waiting for the title for 2,5 years instead of promised 6 months… i am very nervous … and have heard that some land in Panama is Right of Posession and cannot even be titled… ?

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Brian
Member
Brian
March 24, 2018 11:53 pm
Reply to  O.D.

I get being nervous. But remember, this is Panama. Nothing moves fast and SN is at the mercy of a bureaucracy that moves slower than molasses and where manana doesn’t mean tomorrow, it means just not today. From start to finish, it took me 9 months to get my residency. And our parcels first need to be registered with the provincial government and then the deeds need to be processed. This is not right of possession land. ROP is found mainly on the north coast and in the area of Bocas del Toro where it was previously owned by indigenous peoples. Hang in there, I’m confident that you’ll be very pleased with your decision to invest.

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Patrick
Guest
Patrick
November 6, 2018 7:27 pm
Reply to  O.D.

re : “but paid out to investors exactly half of projected payment”, what is the true ROI on those investments?
Are they paid on a yearly basis?
Are SN’s accounts audited by an external 3rd party to ensure the contracted returns (how are they set?) are paid to investors & the audit made available?

Scott Christie
Guest
Scott Christie
December 17, 2018 2:19 pm
Reply to  Patrick

. Did you get a response? I’m told that the payments were more than estimated and earlier than the 4 years.

Paul
Guest
Paul
February 22, 2018 6:48 am

So, a big gap between Sept & Feb with no input.
Then a glowing ref. from Brian a few days ago.
Anyone else with an update on title being received or intercropping pmts made or any other experiences?
Brian, who did you got thro – there seems to be several ‘agents’ on commission.
I would be delighted to find out more from you on your experience, etc.
I would appreciate an email me so we can liaise further.
ford_paul@yahoo.com

Victoria
Guest
Victoria
April 5, 2018 5:12 pm

Anyone investing in the organic lime plantation?

Brian
Member
Brian
April 6, 2018 11:00 am
Reply to  Victoria

Hey, Victoria. My first investment in SN was one hectare of the Lady Victoria Mangos and one hectare of the Rainforest Limes. I have since made three additional purchases (one hectare each of the My Fair Lady Mangos and Panama Hass Avocados, and two acres of the new Fruit Basket offering (combination of plantains, bananas and pineapples).

I have received the title to my Lime hectare and the intercropping payments. I look forward to my first crop next year. I had heard after I made my lime purchase that the first five year’s crops have been purchased by Whole Foods.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I can put you in touch with an independent broker who represents investment opportunities in Paraguay, Columbia, Nicaragua and Panama. He is very high on Simply Natural and can give you an independent appraisal of their operations.

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jay
Guest
jay
April 19, 2018 10:32 pm
Reply to  Brian

Hello Brian,

I’d like to get the name of your independent broker. can you provide his email address? mine is jay_erazo@Hotmail.com thank you

Laura Welliver
Guest
Laura Welliver
November 26, 2018 8:37 pm
Reply to  Brian

Can I please have the name and information for your independent broker? ppm52@hotmail.com thanks in advance

Omar Vargas
Guest
Omar Vargas
April 21, 2019 10:47 pm
Reply to  Brian

Please send me the contact

Florence
Guest
Florence
June 16, 2018 11:55 am

I found this post while I was researching on the email I just received. Please, see below and advise if any good. as I ‘m very new to all these investment businesses and don’t want to lose my money.

Dear Florence,

I hope you’re doing well.

Due to your interest in the agricultural investments that Lief Simon has discovered, I wanted to bring you up to date on the availability of the Simply Natural investment offerings.

The Tropical Fruit Basket plantation was recently bought up completely by a large investor, so the Fruit Basket is not available anymore.

The Rainforest Limes have sold the first 100 hectares and Simply Natural has announced that the price per hectare will go up from the introductory $39K to the standard $44K at the end of June. If you’d like to invest in Limes at the attractive lower price we have a limited time to get you in. I’ve attached the Lime projections to this email for your convenience.

Please let me know if you’d like to get in on the Limes or if I can answer any questions about the Midas Aquaponics or the French Truffle farm investments which are also available.

Kind regards,
Jim

Jim Hardesty

Brian
Member
Brian
June 17, 2018 6:37 pm
Reply to  Florence

Florence…
I am invested in Simply Natural — 2 hectares of mango, 1 hectare lime, 1 hectare avocado and 2 acres of their “fruit basket” (plantains, pineapple & banana). I wasn’t aware that the fruit basket had been sold out, but I also understood that additional hectares of limes were available at the price you were quoted.

I have been dealing directly with an ag broker (David Smith) and he has been very helpful in suggesting other investments in Columbia and Paraguay. David does his research and only suggests options where the principal has a vested interest in your financial success, like SN. My contracts with SN include a 30% share to the grower, ensuring that they make money when I make money, which means they want me to do well! You can reach David at: david@paraguayaginvest.com

I like SN. I have been to the farm twice and met with their management a couple of times when in Panama City (I have permanent residency and plan on retiring there).

With regard to the aquaponics and truffle operations, I haven’t researched them but personally, I wouldn’t invest in the hydroponics for two reasons. I have been to Thailand twice and I don’t trust the business environment. It might be a good investment, but the only thing you own is a hydroponic system with no solid guarantee that it will be properly maintained. Do your research first! I spoke to my attorney in the US and the attorney I use in Panama before investing in SN. I also did research on the specific crops being offered to make sure that there is a growing market and little downside from crop diseases.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I can be reached at: bgodiver@gmail.com.

Cheers!

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Eric Lin
Guest
Eric Lin
June 18, 2018 4:45 am
Reply to  Florence

Hi Florence, you might want to check out this Facebook Group to chat with other investors looking at Simply Natural and other investments.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/simplynaturalinvestors/

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Bob
Guest
Bob
October 9, 2018 9:28 am
Reply to  Florence

BEWARE! I have not received my deed in 2 and a half years and no returned emails.

Patrick
Guest
Patrick
November 6, 2018 7:36 pm
Reply to  Bob

Hi Bob,
Have you received payments from SN though?

Scott Christie
Guest
Scott Christie
December 17, 2018 9:21 am
Reply to  Patrick

Hi Bob, have you received title and any dividend/share proceeds?

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joelossantos
Member
joelossantos
February 3, 2021 5:33 pm
Reply to  Patrick

No payment at all, 2020 was a complete crop loss joelossantos.

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Joe
Member
Joe
May 25, 2021 9:13 am
Reply to  Bob

nothing but excuses from them joelossantos.com

Patrick
Guest
Patrick
November 6, 2018 7:41 pm
Reply to  Florence

Hi Jim,

I am French and have personally lost a few k€ (100% investment loss) in truffle investments in France over an investment made 8 years ago. It was not a scam, the weather simply did not permit production, so I would not really recommend it.

I’m also trying to understand if the mango / avocado investments in Panama are a good idea.

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motion
Guest
motion
November 8, 2018 4:58 am
Reply to  Patrick

see mgx minerals website. mg. for farming and super future.

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