Howard Albano

Cuyama Orchards

Howard Albano, the 71-year old head of his family-run Cuyama Orchards, was born and raised on a farm and continues that tradition today. He, along with help from his wife Jean (pictured at left) and son Byron, controls all aspects of Cuyama Orchards, from growing to picking, packing and marketing.

Their 600-acre farm is surrounded by the Las Padres National Forest, about 30 miles east of Santa Barbara, CA, an area Albano describes as "so remote, we're beyond the end of the regular telephone." The farm includes 160 certified organic acres of apple trees that produce apples for Santa Cruz Organic juices. Albano says their location is ideal for apple growing, "especially for Fuji apples, because we have the right combination of growing season, winter and summer temperatures." In addition to Fuji apples, Cuyama Orchards also produces Pink Lady® brand apples, Gala and crab apple varieties.

About a decade ago, Albano and his family made the choice to convert their orchard from conventional to organic. He made this decision in part because their farm is surrounded by National Forest, making it easier to convert to organic without worries of pesticide or GMO contamination. The primary factor in his decision, though, was the challenge of producing a crop without the use of pesticides and the potential for greater profits. Albano says, "It costs more to farm organically, but you get more out of it. You have a better relationship with your customers because the fruit you produce has been organically grown." With the help of his son Byron, Cuyama Orchards also sell their apple varieties to upscale natural groceries throughout California.

Albano's favorite way to enjoy his apples is "fresh off the tree."