Cuyama Orchards got its roots in 1992 when Howard and Jean Albano plowed under 20 acres of hay in front of their farmhouse and planted Nagafu Fuji apples that had just made their entrance to the US from Japan. By 1997, they had 80 acres of Fuji and Pink Lady apples in production when they partnered with their son Byron to handle the sales and marketing.  Together they developed an enthusiastic local following for the excellent apples that Howard and Jean were producing.  In 1999 they completed transitioning to certified organic production, and continued expanding their orchards to meet the burgeoning demand for their fruit.