CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
10KSB, 1997-03-17
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION-CROPS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              Washington, DC 20549

                                   FORM 10-KSB

         ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996      Commission File Number 33-10196

                          CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                        A California Limited Partnership
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in the charter)

California                                       94-03024688
(State or other jurisdiction of                  (IRS Employer Identification #)
incorporation or organization)

2245 Challenger Way, Suite 100
Santa Rosa, California                           95407
(Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)

               Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
                                 707 - 579-3742

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                      None

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act

                                      None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X   No     
                                       ---     ---

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to item 405
of regulation  S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,  to the
best of registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information  statements
incorporated  by reference in part III of this Form 10-K or an amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

State issuers revenue for its most recent fiscal year; $1,762,070.

No market for the limited  partnership units exists and therefore a market value
for such units cannot be determined.

Documents incorporated herein by reference:

Prospectus,  including  supplements  thereto filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under
the Securities Act of 1933 incorporated in Parts I, III, and IV.

Transitional small business disclosure format; Yes     No  X
                                                   ---    ---
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                                                                   Page 1 or 224

                                  Form 10KSB-1


<PAGE>

                                                    Sequentially numbered pages;

                          CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                        A California Limited Partnership

PART I

Item 1.  Business.

         California  Almond  Investors  I,  a  California  Limited   Partnership
(hereinafter referred to either as partnership or registrant),  was organized on
November 5, 1986, as a California limited  partnership under the Uniform Limited
Partnership Act of the California  Corporations  Code.  Vintech Almond Advisers,
Inc. is the managing general partner and its sole shareholder is Donald D. Bade.

         The  partnership's   Registration  Statement,  filed  pursuant  to  the
Securities Act of 1933, was originally  declared effective by the Securities and
Exchange  Commission  on March  6,  1987.  Registrant  marketed  its  securities
pursuant  to its  Prospectus  dated  March 6, 1987,  together  with  supplements
thereto  (hereinafter  the  Prospectus),  which  Prospectus  was filed  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act
of 1933 and is incorporated herein by reference.

         The principal business of the partnership is to acquire,  operate,  and
ultimately sell income-producing almond orchards.

         In March 1987, the partnership  commenced an offering of $10,000,000 in
limited partnership units (units).  The partnership sold a total of 12,079 units
for  an  aggregate  capitalization  in  the  amount  of  $6,039,500  as  of  the
termination  of the offering on March 6, 1989. The net proceeds of this offering
have been used to acquire income-producing almond orchards. See Item 2 below for
a description of the partnership's properties.

THE ALMOND INDUSTRY

         The value of  agricultural  real estate which is planted to a permanent
crop,  such as almonds,  is directly  related to the price which can be received
for the commodity produced.  The price received for the commodity is, in turn, a
function of the relationship between the supply of and demand for the commodity.

         The United States'  domestic supply of almonds is determined  primarily
by the number of planted acres in California. The world supply is determined for
the most part by the combined  production of California,  Spain and Italy.  Both
domestic and world almond production are subject to substantial fluctuation from
year-to-year and longer-term  cycles.  The demand for almonds is affected by the
domestic  market,  export market , exchange  rate, and marketing  effort.  These
factors  determine the price of California  almonds and, thus,  the  price/value
ratio of California almond orchards.  The general partner believe that increased
domestic  consumption,  expanding  world markets,  and  diminishing  supplies of
almonds should result in rising almond prices, and, thus, a rise in the value of
almond orchards over the next five years.

         Almond orchards require continual attention and maintenance in order to
obtain maximum  production and to safeguard the health of the almond trees. Such
maintenance  includes regular or periodic  fertilizing,  spraying,  cultivating,
pest and weed control, and physical  maintenance of tree size and density.  Such
maintenance also includes  frequent  application of irrigation  water,  which is
pumped from wells or delivered through irrigation canals.

         Many diseases and insect pests attack almonds.  At one time or another,
the almond crop may require  treatment  for brown rot,  shot hole,  leaf blight,
scab,  navel  orange  worm,  peach twig borer,  mites,  San Jose scale and other
problems.  All known almond pests can currently be controlled with available and

                                  Form 10KSB-2

<PAGE>

permitted  pesticides,  and other  chemical  and  organic  agents if the  farmer
properly times the application, uses the recommended dosage and obtains adequate
spray coverage of the crop. Poor results in a spray program are typically caused
by poor  timing,  low  dosage,  or poor  coverage.  The  types  and  methods  of
application of pesticides and herbicides are subject to government regulation of
toxic substances,  and may be increasingly regulated in the future. Almond hulls
are sold and used for livestock feed. Therefore, almond producers sell two crops
- - one for human consumption and one for animal consumption. As a result the laws
and  regulations  governing  pesticide use apply to both the hulls and the nuts,
thus limiting the types of treatment available while the nuts are on the trees.

         Another  syndrome common to almond trees is  noninfectious  bud failure
(crazy  top),  which is a result of genetic  abnormalities  spread  through  the
almond nursery  industry.  While  varieties  known to be  susceptible  have been
identified,  there is no  existing  preventative  treatment  test  procedure  to
preclude the  incidence of this  syndrome in a given  orchard.  Excessively  hot
weather during the course of a season has been  correlated with increases in the
incidence of bud failure in almond orchards. This condition,  while not fatal to
the tree can,  in some cases,  cause  productivity  to suffer.  When bud failure
appears in a given  tree,  it is a general  practice to remove it and replace it
with a tree known to have been produced from a clone free of bud failure.

         Almonds  require  at least  600  hours  of  dormancy  below 45  degrees
Fahrenheit  in order to  induce  heavy  bloom in the  spring.  Under  California
conditions,  in most years, this chilling requirement is easily met. However, if
the weather  from late  November  through  February is warm,  a poor bloom might
result.  When the trees bloom in late February and early March,  it is necessary
to have a maximum number of daylight hours above 55 degrees  Fahrenheit in order
to obtain optimum activity of honey bees which are used to  cross-pollinate  the
crop. Pollination is essential in order for the almond blossoms to form an ovary
which  becomes the seed for the plants.  It is the seed which is the edible part
of the almond.  Without adequate sunlight and sufficient high temperatures,  bee
activity will be low and a light crop might result.

         The almond tree is highly resistant to very low winter temperatures due
to its deciduous  character.  However,  the almond crop is  susceptible to frost
damage when the trees resume growth in the spring.  If a frost occurs,  it could
damage the blossoms and thereby reduce the crop for that year.

         Excessive rainfall can be detrimental to production of almonds.  Excess
rainfall may damage tender blossoms,  promote certain root diseases,  and act as
an impediment to the harvest operation if it occurs in the fall. Due to the soil
types on which  almonds  are grown,  excess  moisture  precludes  entry into the
orchard for several days; thus orchard  operations,  including  harvesting,  are
contingent on favorable moisture conditions.

         Inadequate  water supply can also be  detrimental  to the production of
almonds.  Almonds generally require a minimum of 2.5 acre feet of water per acre
to promote optimal growth and yields.  Inadequate  water supplies can impair the
bloom and damage the orchards ability to produce adequate yields.

         In the San Joaquin  Valley of  California,  frequent  high winds occur.
These are detrimental to almonds for several reason.  First,  the almond tree is
naturally shallow-rooted.  If high winds occur immediately prior to harvest when
a tree is weighted down with nuts, it could be uprooted by the wind. If the wind
storm occurs during the bloom period, bee flight will be limited and pollination
will be impeded.

         Typically  an almond  producer  sells its crop to a  processor  in bulk
after  harvest  for a price per pound to be paid  within  12  months.  The buyer
agrees to adjust the price to equal the  highest  price paid by the buyer to any
of its growers,  in order to avoid  uncertainty  and  fluctuation in supply that
might  occur  if  producers  were  to  seek  to sell  their  crops  at the  most
advantageous point in a market cycle. The method described above is the standard
method of  contracting to purchase the annual  California  almond crop and, as a
result, the market price received for almonds in a given year varies little from
producer to producer. The buyer makes a partial payment once the crop is hulled,
shelled,  and stored, and makes subsequent  payments in installments as the crop
moves in to retail  channels.  Although the precise terms of payment

                                  Form 10KSB-3

<PAGE>

may vary to some extent among producers and  processors,  and may also vary from
year-to-year, in the general partners' experience approximately 40% of the total
sales price for a producer's  almond crop is typically  paid at harvest,  65% of
the total has been  received  within 90 days of harvest,  90% has been  received
within 6 months of harvest  and the balance is paid within 12 months of harvest.
Typically,  growers may  contract  for an advance of up to 25% of the  estimated
purchase  price of the crop in July, at which time the  anticipated  size of the
crop  can be  calculated  with  some  degree  of  accuracy.  The  amount  of the
processor's advance generally covers all or a substantial portion of the growing
costs  incurred  through  that  date.  The  remaining  costs of  production  and
harvesting are normally  recovered by the crop payments  received within 90 days
of harvest (i.e., by the end of the calendar year).

         The grower is paid for his crop based on several criteria. First is the
variety of nuts  delivered.  In California,  the standard of the industry is the
NonPareil  variety.  Generally,  the pollinator  varieties,  such as Mission and
Merced varieties,  are considered "California"  varieties,  and are discounted a
few cents per meat pound below the  NonPareil.  However,  it is  horticulturally
essential   to  have   these   other   varieties   in  the   orchard  to  assure
cross-pollination  of the NonPareil variety. The second price determinant is the
quality of the hulled and shelled nuts. If there has been an  infestation of the
navel orange worm (a moth which lays its eggs on the almond trees and nuts,  and
the larva of which bores into the nut and damages the  kernel),  there will be a
determination of the degree of affected nuts and price reduction proportional to
the degree of  infestation.  If  foreign  material  is picked up in the  orchard
during  harvest  operations,  the  processor  would  reduce the  purchase  price
accordingly.  Thus, orchard management becomes  economically  significant at the
time of harvest.

         As is the case with most  farming  operations,  the almond  business is
seasonal in nature.  A  substantial  portion of the income is realized only upon
sale of the crop by the  processor to whom it is sold.  After the almond crop is
harvested and sold, the orchard owner must either reserve  sufficient funds from
proceeds of sales of the  harvested  crop to cover the cost of  maintenance  and
harvesting for another season,  or in the  alternative,  make  arrangements  for
financing  production  of the next  year's  crop.  The  partnership  intends  to
maintain  reserves  out of crop  revenues to pay its  production  costs for each
succeeding year and to seek advances of the crop purchase price from processors.

         The partnership intends to hold the almond orchards in which it invests
until such time as sale or other  disposition  appears to be advantageous with a
view to achieving  the  partnership's  investment  objectives or it appears that
such objectives  will not be met. In deciding  whether to sell  properties,  the
partnership will consider factors such as potential capital  appreciation,  cash
flow, and the federal income tax  consequences  of any such sales.  The managing
general  partner may  exercise its  discretion  as to whether and when to sell a
property,  and the partnership will have no obligation to sell properties at any
particular time.

         Sale proceeds  generally  will be  distributed to the partners and will
not be reinvested,  so that the partnership will be  self-liquidating.  However,
such  proceeds  need not be  distributed  to the partners in the event that they
are, in the discretion of the managing general partner,  held as working capital
reserves  or  used  to  make  capital   improvements  to  existing   partnership
properties.

         The  managing  general  partner  will  attempt to sell the  partnership
properties  on an all-cash  basis.  However,  if the  managing  general  partner
determines that the best interests of the partnership will be furthered thereby,
the  partnership  may sell  properties  on terms such that only a portion of the
cash  payable to the  partnership  will be  received  in the year of sale,  with
subsequent payments spread over a number of years. Where the full sales price is
not payable in cash, the full  distribution  to the limited  partners of the net
proceeds  of any sale may be delayed  until the notes are paid at  maturity,  or
otherwise by the buyer or, as the partnership will seek to do where the maturity
of the notes extends beyond the anticipated term of the  partnership,  the notes
may be sold by discounting them to lending institutions or other buyers.

                                  Form 10KSB-4

<PAGE>

         As of March 12, 1991, the partnership had acquired six properties known
as Cressey,  Robertson,  Hooker,  Clausen, Sierra II and Famoso Ranches. Each of
these properties is described below in Item 2 - Properties.

         The partnership operates only within one industry segment (agricultural
crops) and has no foreign  operations or export sales.  The harvest is presently
sold to a single processor for a price per pound paid within 12 months.

         The  partnership  has no employees.  All necessary  administrative  and
management  services are performed by employees of the managing general partner,
affiliates  or  independent  contractors.   See  Footnote  2  to  the  financial
statements included in Item 7 to this report for information  regarding fees and
expense reimbursements to the general partner and its affiliates.

Item 2.  Properties

         A description of  income-producing  properties in which the partnership
has an ownership interest is as follows:

Cressey Ranch

         On  March  15,  1988,  the  partnership  purchased,  for  approximately
$858,000  cash,  from the Ray C. Meredith 1983 Living Trust,  a 143-acre  almond
orchard  known as  Cressey  Ranch  located  near  Merced,  CA. The seller is not
affiliated  with  the  general  partner,  the  partnership,  nor  any  of  their
affiliates.  The  property  is  located  in  the  Central  San  Joaquin  Valley,
approximately 11 miles west of Merced.

         Of the 143 acres comprising the property,  approximately  140 acres are
planted  with  almond  trees,  consisting  of 50%  NonPareil  and 50% Carmel nut
varieties.  Approximately  70 acres of the almond trees were planted in 1976, 35
acres in 1979 and 35 acres in 1981. Other improvements on the property include a
900-square foot single family residence, three wells with pumps (100-horsepower,
30-horsepower and 15-horsepower turbines, and a 75-horsepower booster pump), and
a permanent,  solid set sprinkler system.  The property is zoned for exclusively
agricultural uses.

         The area  surrounding the property is used primarily for agriculture in
the form of irrigated crop land,  permanent  plantings such as almond  orchards,
walnut groves and  vineyards,  and a poultry farm.  The climate is warm and dry,
with relatively long frost-free  growing  seasons.  The area typically  receives
little  rainfall  and  most  crops,  including  almonds,   require  supplemental
irrigation for agricultural production at economic levels.

         The soils found on the  property  are Delhi and Hilmar  sands,  and are
suitable for almond  production.  The topography of the property is level,  with
zero-to-3%  slope. The property's  source of water consists of underground water
delivered by the pumps and wells  located on the property.  The general  partner
believe that this source will provide an adequate supply of water for irrigation
during the partnership's anticipated holding period.

                                  Form 10KSB-5

<PAGE>



         Set forth below is a table summarizing crop production on the property.

                                                    Gross Almond        Pounds
                                     Producing      Production          Produced
                     Year              Acres        (in Pounds)         Per Acre
                     ----            ---------      -----------         --------

                     1985              103.0          222,400              2,159
                     1986              140.0           61,700                440
                     1987              140.0          276,200              1,973
                     1988              140.0          166,183              1,187
                     1989              140.0          303,360              2,167
                     1990              140.0          358,325              2,559
                     1991              140.0          199,960              1,428
                     1992              140.0          237,242              1,694
                     1993              140.0          203,820              1,484
                     1994              140.0          270,819              1,934
                     1995              140.0           94,025                672
                     1996              140.0          173,281              1,238

         The trees are planted in a density of approximately 87 per acre, with a
total of approximately 12,000 producing trees. The tress are in good condition.

         The property is subject to the terms and  conditions of the  Williamson
Land Act,  which  requires that the land be used  exclusively  for  agricultural
purposes, and assures that the land will, therefore, be assessed for real estate
tax purposes solely on its value for agricultural uses.


Robertson Ranch

         On August  15,  1988,  the  partnership  purchased,  for  approximately
$232,050 cash from John and Carol Van Curen a 35.7 acre almond  orchard known as
Robertson  Ranch  located  near  Chowchilla,   California.  The  seller  is  not
affiliated  with  the  general  partner,  the  partnership,  nor any  for  their
affiliates.

         The   property  is  located  in  the   Central   San  Joaquin   Valley,
approximately two miles south of Chowchilla in Madera County, California, at the
intersection of State Highway 152 and County Road 4.

         Of the 35.7 acres comprising the property, approximately 33.5 acres are
planted  with  almond  trees  consisting  of 50%  NonPareil  and 50%  Carmel nut
varieties.  Approximately  one-half  of the  acreage was planted in 1981 and the
remaining acres in 1982. Other  improvements on the property include a well with
a  50-horsepower  pump and an  underground  concrete  irrigation  pipeline.  The
property is zoned for exclusively agricultural uses.

         The area  surrounding is used primarily for agriculture and its related
industries.  The  climate is warm and dry,  with a  relatively  long  frost-free
growing  season.  The area typically  receives  little  rainfall and most crops,
including almonds,  require supplemental  irrigation for agricultural production
at economic levels.

         The soils found on the property are suitable for almond production. The
topography of the property is level.  The property has two  potential  source of
water; water purchased from the Chowchilla Water District, and underground water
delivered by the pump and well located on the property.  The partnership prefers
to irrigate primarily with water purchased from the water district because it is
less  expensive  than pumping well water.  The water is  distributed by means of
flood irrigation.

                                  Form 10KSB-6

<PAGE>



         Set forth below is a table summarizing crop production on the property.

                                                Gross Almond        Pounds
                                 Producing      Production          Produced
                  Year             Acres        (in Pounds)         Per Acre
                  ----           ---------      -----------         --------

                  1985              33.5          22,514               672
                  1986              33.5          13,494               403
                  1987              33.5          49,336             1,473
                  1988              33.5          50,285             1,501
                  1989              33.5          45,789             1,367
                  1990              33.5          76,083             2,271
                  1991              33.5          58,690             1,752
                  1992              33.5          31,376               937
                  1993              33.5          64,435             1,929
                  1994              33.5          94,324             2,816
                  1995              33.5          22,151               661
                  1996              33.5          43,751             1,306

         The trees are planted in a density of  approximately  75 per acre.  The
trees are generally in good condition.

         The property is subject to the terms and  conditions of the  Williamson
Land Act,  which  requires that the land be used  exclusively  for  agricultural
purposes, and assures that the land will, therefore, be assessed for real estate
tax purposes solely on its value for agricultural uses.

Hooker Ranch

         On  March  15,  1989,  the  partnership  purchased,  for  approximately
$1,527,500  cash from Hooker  Grain  Company an almond  orchard  known as Hooker
Ranch. The seller is not affiliated with the general  partner,  the partnership,
nor any of their affiliates.

         The  property  is  located  in the San  Joaquin  Valley of  California,
approximately seven miles east of the town of Hickman, which is approximately 14
miles northwest of Modesto in east central Stanislaus County.

         The   property   comprises   approximately   241  gross   acres,   with
approximately 233 acres planted with almond trees. The almond trees were planted
in 1981, and consist of 50% NonPareil,  25% Carmel, and 25% Fritz nut varieties.
The  trees  are  planted  in a  density  of  approximately  95 per  acre and are
generally in good condition.  Other improvements on the property include a solid
set   underground   sprinkler   system  and  two  electric   turbine   pumps,  a
150-horsepower primary pump, and a 125-horsepower standby pump. The property has
historically  received all of its irrigation  water from the Turlock  Irrigation
District.  A new well was drilled on the property in 1992 as a backup  source in
case district water is reduced because of the drought. The property is zoned for
exclusively agricultural uses.

         The area surrounding the property is used primarily for agriculture and
its related  industries.  The topography of the property  varies from rolling to
level. The climate is dry with temperatures typically hot in the summer and mild
in the winter,  with a  relatively  long  growing  season.  The  property may be
susceptible  to frost during cold  periods,  especially in low areas with little
air  movement.  The area  typically  receives  little  rainfall  and most crops,
including almonds,  require supplemental  irrigation for agricultural production
at economic  levels.  The soils found on the  property  are  suitable for almond
production.

                                  Form 10KSB-7

<PAGE>


         Set forth below is a table summarizing crop production on the property.

                                                    Gross Almond        Pounds
                                    Producing       Production          Produced
                    Year              Acres         (in Pounds)         Per Acre
                    ----            ---------       -----------         --------

                     1985              233.0          233,075              1,000
                     1986              233.0          114,429                492
                     1987              233.0          492,372              2,117
                     1988              233.0          116,638                501
                     1989              233.0          534,393              2,294
                     1990              233.0          511,185              2,193
                     1991              233.0          442,028              1,897
                     1992              233.0          515,471              2,212
                     1993              233.0          372,591              1,585
                     1994              233.0          680,511              2,920
                     1995              233.0          151,402                650
                     1996              233.0          415,681              1,784

         The  property's  source of irrigation  water is the Turlock  Irrigation
District  main canal which  borders the  southern  perimeter of the property and
carries water from nearby Turlock Lake.  Water for irrigation is pumped directly
from the canal by the primary  electric turbine pump located on the property and
is distributed  through the underground solid set sprinklers which run down each
tree line. Water for irrigation cost approximately $47 per planted acre in 1995.
The general  partner believe that this source will provide an adequate supply of
water for irrigation during the partnership's anticipated holding period.

         The property is subject to the terms and  conditions of the  Williamson
Land Act,  which  requires that the land be used  exclusively  for  agricultural
purposes and assures that the land will, therefore,  be assessed for real estate
tax purposes solely on its value for agricultural uses.

Clausen Ranch

         On  April  21,  1989,  the  partnership  purchased,  for  approximately
$625,000  cash,  from Wesley and Elaine Smith a 91-acre  almond orchard known as
Clausen  Ranch.  The seller is not  affiliated  with the  general  partner,  the
partnership,  or any of their affiliates. The property is located in the Central
San Joaquin Valley near the town of Le Grand in Merced County, California.

         Of the 91 acres  comprising  the property,  approximately  83 acres are
planted  with  almond  trees  consisting  of 50%  NonPareil  and 50%  Carmel nut
varieties.  The first  planting of 70 acres took place in 1979 and the remaining
13 acres were planted in 1981.  Other  improvements  on the  property  include a
2-bedroom  house,  a 36' x 54'  Butler  building,  a 36' x 51'  galvanized  iron
building,  a  permanent,  solid set  sprinkler  system  and two wells  with a 75
horsepower  diesel-powered  pump and a 25  horsepower  pump.  The 75  horsepower
diesel  powered  pump has been  changed to  electric.  The property is zoned for
exclusively agricultural uses.

         All  of the  land  in  the  vicinity  of the  property  is  devoted  to
agriculture.  The climate is hot and dry in the summer and generally mild in the
winter.  The area typically  receives little rainfall and most crops,  including
almonds, require supplemental irrigation for agricultural production at economic
levels.

         The soils found on the  property are Wyman Loam,  Yokohl  Loam,  Madera
Loam  and San  Joaquin  Loam,  and  are  suitable  for  almond  production.  The
topography of the property is generally  level.  The property's  source of water
consists of  underground  water  delivered by the pumps and wells located on the
property.  The general partner believe that this source will provide an adequate
supply of water for  irrigation  during  the  partnerships  anticipated  holding
period.

                                  Form 10KSB-8

<PAGE>

         Set forth below is a table summarizing crop production on the property.

                                                     Gross Almond       Pounds
                                    Producing        Production         Produced
                     Year             Acres          (in Pounds)        Per Acre
                     ----           ---------        -----------        --------

                      1985              83.0           99,600              1,200
                      1986              83.0            8,311                100
                      1987              83.0          130,452              1,572
                      1988              83.0          137,863              1,661
                      1989              83.0          112,137              1,351
                      1990              83.0          135,035              1,627
                      1991              83.0           59,845                721
                      1992              83.0           90,412              1,089
                      1993              83.0           52,789                650
                      1994              83.0           78,773                949
                      1995              83.0           41,165                496
                      1996              83.0           52,523                632

         The trees are planted to a density of  approximately 91 trees per acre.
The trees are generally in good condition and capable for production  consistent
with those of good quality orchards.

         The property is subject to the terms of the  Williamson  Land Act which
requires  that the land will be assessed for real estate tax purposes  solely on
its value for agricultural uses.

Sierra II Ranch

         On December 18,  1989,  the  partnership  purchased  for  approximately
$297,000  cash,  from Daniel Bellin a 44-acre  almond orchard known as Sierra II
Ranch. The seller is not affiliated with the general  partner,  the partnership,
or any of their affiliates. The property is located in the south/central part of
the San Joaquin Valley near the town of Pixley in Tulare County, California.

         Of the 44 acres  comprising  the property,  there are 41.4 net acres of
almond orchard.  The trees were planted in 1979 and consist of one-third  Butte,
one-third Rubi and one-third  Mission nut varieties.  Other  improvements on the
property consist of a well with an estimated depth of 500 feet, a 100 horsepower
electric turbine pump,  approximately 1380 feet of 14 inch underground  concrete
pipeline,  and a 58 irrigation  valves,  each with a 12 inch  diameter  concrete
riser  and a 6 inch  diameter  valve.  The  property  is zoned  for  exclusively
agricultural uses.

         All  of the  land  in  the  vicinity  of the  property  is  devoted  to
agriculture.  The climate is hot and dry in the summer and generally mild in the
winter.  The area typically  receives little rainfall and most crops,  including
almonds require supplemental  irrigation for agricultural production at economic
levels.

         The soil on the property is all  Hesperia  sandy loam, a Class One soil
with  good  crop  adaptability.  The land has been  all  leveled  to  facilitate
irrigation. The property's primary source of water consists of underground water
delivered  by the well and pump  located on the  property.  It's other source is
canal water from the Pixley  Irrigation  District.  The general partner believes
that this source will provide an adequate supply of water for irrigation  during
the partnership's anticipated holding period.

                                  Form 10KSB-9

<PAGE>


         Set forth below is a table summarizing crop production on the property.

                                                       Gross Almond     Pounds
                                       Producing       Production       Produced
                        Year             Acres         (in Pounds)      Per Acre
                        ----           ---------       -----------      --------

                        1987              41.4          60,071             1,451
                        1988              41.4          81,682             1,973
                        1989              41.4          61,396             1,483
                        1990              41.4          74,086             1,790
                        1991              41.4          53,568             1,294
                        1992              41.4          71,696             1,731
                        1993              41.4          42,317             1,022
                        1994              41.4          45,045             1,088
                        1995              41.4          22,252               537
                        1996              41.4          36,451               880

         The trees are planted in a density of 90 trees per acre and the orchard
is in good condition, having been well maintained.

Famoso Ranch

         On June 7, 1990, the partnership  purchased for approximately  $586,000
cash,  from Peter  Constantine  Stiney an 81.87 acre almond orchard known as the
Famoso  Ranch.  The  seller is not  affiliated  with the  general  partner,  the
partnership,  or any of their  affiliates.  The property is located in the south
/central part of the San Joaquin  Valley near the town of Famoso in Kern County,
California.

         Of the 81.87 acres  comprising the property,  there are 78 net acres of
almond  orchard.  The trees  were  planted  in 1980 and  consist  of  two-thirds
NonPareil,  one-sixth  Mission and one-sixth Merced nut varieties.  The property
purchases water from the Southern San Joaquin  Municipal Water District and also
has a water/well  sharing  agreement with the adjacent land owner for use of the
underground  lines to and from the water  district  turnout and well.  Zoning on
this orchard is strictly agricultural only.

         All  of the  land  in  the  vicinity  of the  property  is  devoted  to
agriculture.  The climate is hot and dry in the summer and generally mild in the
winter.  The area typically  receives little rainfall and most crops,  including
almonds require supplemental  irrigation for agricultural production at economic
levels.  The soils on the property are comprised of McFarland Loam, Delano Sandy
Loam and Zerker Sandy Clay Loam.

         Set forth below is a table  summarizing crop production on the property
for the last six crop years.

                                                      Gross Almond      Pounds
                                      Producing       Production        Produced
                      Year              Acres         (in Pounds)       Per Acre
                      ----            ---------       -----------       --------
                      1986              78.0           79,483              1,019
                      1987              78.0           92,045              1,180
                      1988              78.0          160,835              2,062
                      1989              78.0          218,022              2,795
                      1990              78.0          151,819              1,946
                      1991              78.0           93,846              1,203
                      1992              78.0           70,507                904
                      1993              78.0           65,507                840
                      1994              78.0          150,316              1,927
                      1995              78.0           65,743                843
                      1996              78.0           93,524              1,199

                                 Form 10KSB-10

<PAGE>

         The trees are planted in a density of 79 trees per acre and the orchard
is in good condition, having been well maintained.

         The property is subject to the terms of the  Williamson  Land Act which
requires  that the land will be assessed for real estate tax purposes  solely on
its value for agricultural uses.


Farm Management Services.

         Charterhill  Pacific was hired as the farm manager for the partnership.
Under this agreement, Charterhill Pacific assumed the primary responsibility for
the farm management activities of the partnership  properties.  Fees paid to the
property  management company were $104 per cultivated acre, plus 7.5% of the net
crop proceeds from such acreage.

         The  agreement  with  Charterhill  Pacific  has been  extended  through
December 31, 2000. The sole shareholder of Charterhill Pacific is related to the
sole shareholder of the Managing General Partner.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

         There are currently no legal proceedings concerning the partnership.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

         There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders,  through
the solicitation of proxies or otherwise during the fourth quarter of the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996.

PART II

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Equity and Related Security Holder Matters.

         The  limited   partnership   unit   holders  are  entitled  to  certain
distributions as provided in the partnership agreement. No market for individual
limited  partnership  units  exists nor is expected to develop and  transfers of
units are registered under the terms of the limited partnership  agreement.  See
the limited partnership agreement which is Exhibit B to the Prospectus, attached
as Exhibit 3 to this report.

         As of March 13,  1997,  the  approximate  number of  holders of limited
partnership  units was 782.  Joint  owners  (including  but not limited to joint
tenants,  tenants in common and husband and wife) are shown on the partnership's
records as a single record holder and, therefore, are counted as one.

                                 Form 10KSB-11

<PAGE>



Distributions

         Set forth  below is a schedule  of  distributions  made to the  limited
partners in 1991,  1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996. The source of distributions
was a combination of crop revenue,  interest income,  rental income, and capital
contributions.

<TABLE>
      <S>                         <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>         <C>
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   1996        1995        1994        1993         1992        1991
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      January                   $85,500     $57,000     $57,000     $57,000
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      February
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      March
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      April                      85,500      57,000      57,000      57,000       57,000
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      May
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      June
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      July                       85,500      57,000      57,000      57,000       57,000
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      August
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      September
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      October                    85,500      57,000      57,000      57,000       57,000
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      November
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      December
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Distributions      $342,000    $228,000    $228,000    $228,000     $171,000          $0
                               ========    ========    ========    ========     ========          ==

      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


Item 6. Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

         As of March 12, 1991, the partnership had acquired six properties,  the
Cressey,  Robertson,  Hooker,  Clausen,  Sierra II, and  Famoso  Ranches.  It is
anticipated that purchase of the Famoso ranch will be the last property acquired
by the partnership.

         In order to maintain sufficient reserves to meet the operating needs of
the  partnership,  the  partnership  obtained a mortgage on the Hooker  Ranch in
1990. The mortgage note is payable in semi-annual payments of $12,000,  with the
final  balloon  payment of $240,000  due in 2005.  Interest on the note  accrues
initially at the rate of 9.65% and is subject to periodic adjustment.

         The  partnership   generally  receives  payments  from  crop  sales  in
installments over the twelve months following harvest.  The partnership retained
sufficient  cash  proceeds  from  the  1996  crop  and  has  secured  sufficient
additional crop financing  necessary to sustain production of the 1997 crop. The
portion of the additional  financing expected for the 1997 crop will be supplied
by the almond  processor.  This  practice is common to the industry  since final
cash  receipts  for any crop  year may  extend  beyond  twelve  months  from the
harvest.  The General  Partner  believes  that these  sources  provide  adequate
capital for the operating needs of the Partnership in 1997.

                                 Form 10KSB-12

<PAGE>



No distributions  were made in 1991, as sufficient cash funds were not available
for  distribution  due to the unexpected  downturn in the 1990 price of almonds.
Distributions  were  started in 1992 at an annual rate of 4% per annum return to
the limited partners.  In 1996 the distributions were increased to 6% per annum.
The General  Partner  believes that there are currently  sufficient  reserves to
increase  distributions  in 1997 to a rate of 8% per annum return to the limited
partners.


Results of Operations

         Combined  harvest  from the  partnerships  properties  yielded  815,211
pounds of almonds in 1996 and 396,738  pounds of almonds in 1995.  These  yields
represent average pounds produced per acre of 1,345 in 1996 and 652 in 1995. The
increase in  production  in 1996 was industry  wide and due to improved  weather
during the bloom  period in March.  The  determination  of the final  settlement
price for the 1996 almonds will not be determined  until the fall of 1997 and is
subject to variation based upon market conditions.  The 1996 crop price estimate
is $2.00 per pound  compared  to $2.41  per  pound in 1995.  Based on  available
information at this time, the General  Partner feels confident that the expected
final sales price of $2.00 per pound will be achieved.

         The General Partner believes that in the long term,  almond prices will
stabilize above $1.25 per pound as the world demand for almonds  increases while
overall  yields across the industry  decrease.  Such decreases in overall yields
are expected due to the uncertainties  regarding water availability and the fact
that the decline in new almond  plantings will continue  consistent  with market
trends.  The General  Partners  estimate that their orchards have adequate water
supplies to promote optimal growth and yields for the future.

         Farming  costs for the  partnership  on a per acre basis were $1,349 in
1996  and ,  $1,237  in  1995.  Farming  costs  vary  largely  depending  on the
characteristics  of a given orchard,  including the  availability  of sufficient
water. At this time, the General Partner believes that water costs will continue
to increase in the future but will not significantly  increase the farming costs
due to the availability of well water.

         General  and  Administrative   expenses  are  primarily   comprised  of
accounting,  computer  services and other  professional  fees. Such amounts were
$148,200 in 1996 and $140,500 in 1995. The General  Partner  anticipate  similar
levels of general and administrative costs in the future.

                                 Form 10KSB-13

<PAGE>



Item 7.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


                                                              CONTENTS

<TABLE>

                                                                                                                     PAGE
<S>                                                                                                                   <C>
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT..........................................................................................F-1


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     Balance sheets...................................................................................................F-2

     Statements of income.............................................................................................F-4

     Statements of partners' equity...................................................................................F-5

     Statements of cash flows.........................................................................................F-6

     Notes to financial statements....................................................................................F-8

</TABLE>

<PAGE>


INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT



To the Partners
California Almond Investors I
(A California Limited Partnership)


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of California Almond Investors I
(A California  Limited  Partnership),  as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
statements of income, partners' equity and cash flows for each of the years then
ended.  These financial  statements are the  responsibility of the Partnership's
management.  Our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material  respects,  the financial position of California Almond Investors I
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the years then ended,  in conformity  with generally  accepted
accounting principles.


                                                              /s/ Moss Adams LLP
Santa Rosa, California
February 11, 1997

                                                                        Page F-1


<PAGE>

                                                   CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                              (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                                                 BALANCE SHEETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 31,                                            1996               1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS
    Cash                                             $1,386,600       $1,069,500
    Accounts receivable                                 844,800          456,200
    Investment                                             --            496,800
    Deferred crop costs                                 204,000          185,300
    Advances for farm costs                                 100             --
    Deposits and prepaid expenses                          --              8,800
                                                     ----------       ----------

       Total current assets                           2,435,500        2,216,600
                                                     ----------       ----------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
    Land                                              1,100,800        1,100,800
    Orchards                                          2,216,700        2,216,700
    Equipment                                         1,158,900        1,158,900
    Buildings                                           130,600          130,600
                                                     ----------       ----------

                                                      4,607,000        4,607,000
    Less accumulated depreciation                     2,180,500        1,900,300
                                                     ----------       ----------

                                                      2,426,500        2,706,700
                                                     ----------       ----------

       Total assets                                  $4,862,000       $4,923,300
                                                     ==========       ==========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                                                        Page F-2

<PAGE>






                                                   CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                              (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                                      BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 31,                                                1996           1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities            $   23,000   $   59,900
     Payables to general partner and related parties         37,300       97,700
     Current portion of long-term debt                       24,000       24,000
                                                         ----------   ----------

             Total current liabilities                       84,300      181,600

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion                        408,000      432,000

PARTNERS' EQUITY                                          4,369,700    4,309,700
                                                         ----------   ----------

     Total liabilities and partners' equity              $4,862,000   $4,923,300
                                                         ==========   ==========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                                                        Page F-3



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
                                                                                        CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                                                                   (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                                                                                 STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Years Ended December 31,                                                                    1996              1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>               <C>       

REVENUES
     Crops                                                                               $1,703,200        $1,539,300
     Interest and other                                                                      58,800            51,700
                                                                                         ----------        ----------

                                                                                          1,762,000         1,591,000
                                                                                         ----------        ----------

EXPENSES
     (Includes  amounts to general  partners and related parties of $229,900 and
     $254,600, for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively)
         Operating                                                                          888,200           880,300
         Depreciation                                                                       280,200           280,200
         General and administrative                                                         148,200           140,500
         Interest                                                                            43,400            45,700
                                                                                         ----------        ----------

                                                                                          1,360,000         1,346,700
                                                                                         ----------        ----------

NET INCOME                                                                               $  402,000        $  244,300
                                                                                         ==========        ==========

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNIT                                                  $    33.28        $    20.22
                                                                                         ==========        ==========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                                                                                             Page F-4

</TABLE>


<PAGE>

<TABLE>

                                                                                  CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                                                             (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                                                                 STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' EQUITY
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Limited
                                    Partnership           Limited              General
                                       Units              Partners             Partners             Total
                                 -----------------    -----------------    -----------------  -----------------
<S>                                    <C>             <C>                  <C>                   <C>    

Balance, December 31, 1994             12,079          $ 4,297,900           $    (4,500)          $ 4,293,400

Cash distributions                       --               (228,000)                 --                (228,000)

Net income                               --                241,800                 2,500               244,300
                                  -----------          -----------           -----------           -----------

Balance, December 31, 1995             12,079            4,311,700                (2,000)            4,309,700

Cash Distributions                       --               (342,000)                 --                (342,000)

Net income                               --                398,000                 4,000               402,000
                                  -----------          -----------           -----------           -----------

Balance, December 31, 1996             12,079          $ 4,367,700           $     2,000           $ 4,369,700
                                  ===========          ===========           ===========           ===========


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                                                                                      Page F-5

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>

                                                                                 CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                                                            (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                                                                      STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Years Ended December 31,                                                       1996                    1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                       <C>                    <C>    
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
     Net income                                                            $   402,000            $   244,300
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
         cash provided by operating activities:
             Depreciation and amortization                                     280,200                280,200
         Changes in:
             Accounts receivable                                              (388,600)               486,000
             Deferred crop costs                                               (18,700)                (5,700)
             Advances for farm costs                                              (100)                32,300
             Deposits and prepaid expenses                                       8,800                 (5,400)
             Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                          (36,900)                41,800
             Payable to general partner and related parties                    (60,400)                18,700
                                                                           -----------            -----------

                Net cash provided by operating activities                      186,300              1,092,200
                                                                           -----------            -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
     Investment maturity (acquired)                                            496,800               (469,600)
                                                                           -----------            -----------

                Net cash provided (used) by investing activities               496,800               (469,600)
                                                                           -----------            -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
     Distributions to partners                                                (342,000)              (228,000)
     Payments on long-term debt                                                (24,000)               (24,000)
                                                                           -----------            -----------

                Net cash used by financing activities                         (366,000)              (252,000)
                                                                           -----------            -----------

INCREASE IN CASH                                                               317,100                370,600

CASH, beginning of year                                                      1,069,500                698,900
                                                                           -----------            -----------

CASH, end of year                                                          $ 1,386,600            $ 1,069,500
                                                                           ===========            ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                                                                                     Page F-6
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                   CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                              (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Years Ended December 31,                                       1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SUPPLEMENTAL CASH-FLOW INFORMATION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

Cash paid during the year for:
     Interest                                                  $43,400   $45,700

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                                                        Page F-7


<PAGE>


                                                   CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                              (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                                      December 31, 1996 and 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NOTE  1 - DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
          POLICIES

Nature of  business  -  California  Almond  Investors  I (A  California  Limited
Partnership)  (the  Partnership)  owns  and  operates   income-producing  almond
orchards in the California Central Valley.  Almonds are sold to a sole processor
at prevailing  market rates.  Vintech Almond Advisers,  Inc., and Donald D. Bade
are the  general  partners,  with Donald  Bade the sole  shareholder  of Vintech
Almond  Advisers,  Inc.  The  Partnership  was  organized  in November  1986 and
commenced  operations  in  February  1988,  when  minimum  funding  levels  were
attained.  The original limited partner capital contribution of $1,000 ($500 per
unit) was made by Vintech, Inc., a company wholly owned by Donald Bade.

Revenue  recognition - Revenue is recognized after harvest at an estimated price
per pound to be received over a twelve month period. The final price is equal to
the highest price paid by the buyer to any of its growers.  Differences  between
estimated and actual  revenues are  recognized in the  subsequent  year's income
statement. The Partnership's revenue includes proceeds from crop insurance which
pays if the almond crop yields less than the  insured  amount.  The  Partnership
recognized  $10,900 and  $401,800 of revenue from crop  insurance  for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Property and equipment - Property and  equipment  are stated at cost,  including
acquisition  fees  and  other  closing  costs,  and are  depreciated  using  the
straight-line  method over  estimated  useful lives of 12 years for orchards and
equipment and 27.5 years for buildings.

Deferred crop costs - Costs incurred subsequent to harvest are generally related
to the  following  year's  growing  crop and are  deferred  until  that  crop is
harvested and sold.

Cash  distributions  - Cash  distributions  to limited  partners  are based on a
weighted average of limited  partnership  units  outstanding.  Distributions per
partnership unit are $28.31 and $18.88 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.

Allocation of net income per limited  partnership unit - Net income is allocated
to  the  limited  partners  based  on  a  weighted  average  of  12,079  limited
partnership units outstanding for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.

Income  taxes - Net income or loss is  allocated to the partners as specified in
the  Partnership  agreement  and is  reported  on their  respective  income  tax
returns;   therefore,  no  provision  for  income  taxes  is  reflected  in  the
accompanying financial statements.

Concentrations  of credit risk - Certain financial  instruments--primarily  cash
and accounts  receivable--potentially  subject the Partnership to concentrations
of credit risk. The Partnership  deposits  excess cash into a bank  money-market
account,  the balance of which,  at any point in time, may exceed FDIC insurance
limits,  and a money fund account  which  invests  primarily  in U. S.  Treasury
securities.  Concentrations of credit risk, with respect to accounts receivable,
are directly related to the well being of the sole almond  processor  purchasing
the  Partnership's  crop. The harvest is sold to a single  processor for a price
per pound paid within 12 months.  The Partnership's  management does not believe
significant credit risk exists at December 31, 1996.


                                                                             F-8

<PAGE>

                                                   CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                              (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                       NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
                                                      December 31, 1996 and 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NOTE  1 - DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
          POLICIES (Continued)

Use of estimates - The  preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with
generally accepted  accounting  principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,  revenues
and expenses,  and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  The amounts
estimated could differ from actual results.

Fair value of financial  instruments  - The  Partnership  measures its financial
assets  and  liabilities  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted   accounting
principles.  The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the
instrument could be exchanged in a current  transaction between willing parties.
For certain of the Partnership's financial instruments, including cash, accounts
receivable,  and accounts payable,  the carrying amount  approximates fair value
because of the short maturities.  The carrying amount of Partnership  borrowings
under the long-term  debt  agreement  approximates  fair value  because  current
interest rates available to the  Partnership for similar debt are  approximately
the same.

Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to the December 31,
1995, financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.


NOTE  2 - INVESTMENT

The  held-to-maturity  investment  consisted  of a U. S.  Treasury  Bill with an
original  maturity of approximately  one year. The investment,  which matured on
February 8, 1996, is stated at amortized cost which included accrued interest of
$27,200 and approximated fair value.


NOTE  3 - TRANSACTIONS WITH GENERAL PARTNERS AND RELATED PARTIES

In 1991, the Partnership  entered into agreements with  Charterhill  Pacific-- a
California  Corporation  controlled by David A. Bade, a related party--to manage
all  Partnership  operations and supervise and manage farming  operations of the
orchards.  Under the Partnership  Management  Agreement,  Charterhill Pacific is
paid  approximately  $6,600 per month,  adjusted  annually for  increases in the
Consumer  Price Index,  plus  expenses.  The  Partnership  Management  Agreement
expired  December 31, 1996, but is expected to be renewed during 1997. Under the
Farm Management  Agreement,  Charterhill  Pacific is paid approximately $104 per
acre per year, adjusted annually for increases in the Consumer Price Index, plus
expenses.  The Farm Management  Agreement also provides  payment of an incentive
fee equal to 7.5% of cash flow from operations,  as defined. The Farm Management
Agreement  may be  terminated  at any time  upon 120  days'  notice.  Under  the
Partnership  agreement,  the managing  general  partner is allowed a partnership
management fee equal to 5% of annual  distributions.  Amounts paid or accrued to
Charterhill  Pacific  and to the  general  partners  in 1996  and  1995  were as
follows:


                                                                             F-9

<PAGE>


                                                   CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                              (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                       NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
                                                      December 31, 1996 and 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NOTE  3 - TRANSACTIONS WITH GENERAL PARTNERS AND RELATED PARTIES (Continued)

                                                           1996           1995
                                                         --------       --------
Charterhill Pacific:
     Partnership Management Agreement                    $ 98,800       $ 70,200
     Farm Management Agreement                            113,100        172,400
General Partners                                           18,000         12,000
                                                         --------       --------

                                                         $229,900       $254,600
                                                         ========       ========


NOTE  4 - LONG-TERM DEBT

<TABLE>
                                                                                     1996               1995
                                                                               -----------------    ----------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>                 <C>   

Mortgage note,  with  interest at 9.65%  subject to  adjustment in January 2000,
     semi-annual principal repayments of $12,000, due January 1 and July 1, with
     a balloon payment in January 2005;  secured by a deed of trust on an almond
     orchard and associated equipment with a net book value at December 31, 1996
     and 1995, of approximately $888,000 and $992,000, respectively               $     432,000        $    456,000

Less current maturities                                                                  24,000              24,000
                                                                               -----------------    ----------------

                                                                                  $     408,000        $    432,000
                                                                               =================    ================

</TABLE>

Principal maturities for succeeding years are as follows:

                  Year ending December 31,

                           1997                                $          24,000
                           1998                                           24,000
                           1999                                           24,000
                           2000                                           24,000
                           2001                                           24,000
                        Thereafter                                       312,000
                                                            --------------------

                                                                $        432,000
                                                            ====================


                                                                            F-10


<PAGE>


                                                   CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
                                              (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                       NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
                                                      December 31, 1996 and 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NOTE  5 - PARTNERS' EQUITY

The  Partnership   agreement  entitles  limited  partners  to  a  12%  per  year
cumulative,  but not  compounded,  priority return on unreturned  capital.  Such
cumulative priority return has not been fully paid as of December 31, 1996. Cash
distributions  are determined by the general partners based on the Partnership's
working capital needs. Distributions totaled $342,000 and $228,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.

In general,  income is  allocated in  proportion  to cash  contributions,  until
cumulative income  allocations equal cumulative cash  distributions;  then 1% is
allocated to general partners and 99% to limited partners.  Losses are generally
allocated 1% to general partners and 99% to limited partners.


NOTE  6 - RECONCILIATION TO INCOME TAX METHOD OF ACCOUNTING

The  differences  between  the  accrual  method of  accounting  for  income  tax
reporting and accrual method of accounting  used in the  accompanying  financial
statements are as follows:

                                                          1996           1995
                                                       ----------     ----------
Net income - financial statements                      $  402,000     $  244,300

Differences resulting from:
     Depreciation and amortization                         55,400         55,400
                                                       ----------     ----------

Net income - income tax method                         $  457,400     $  299,700
                                                       ==========     ==========

Taxable income per limited partnership unit            $    37.87     $    24.81
                                                       ==========     ==========

Partners' equity - financial statements                $4,369,700     $4,309,700

Differences resulting from:
     Depreciation and amortization                        420,000        364,600
     Sales commissions                                    513,400        513,400
     Syndication costs                                    332,200        332,200
                                                       ----------     ----------

Partners' equity - income tax method                   $5,635,300     $5,519,900
                                                       ==========     ==========

                                                                            F-11

                                 Form 10KSB-14

<PAGE>


Item  8.  Changes  in and  Disagreements  with  Accountants  on  Accounting  and
Financial Disclosures.

         None

PART III

Item     9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters, and Control Persons of the
         Registrant: Compliance with Section 16a of the Exchange Act.

         The  managing  general  partner of the  partnership  is Vintech  Almond
Advisers,  Inc. The managing  general  partner  makes  investment  decisions and
otherwise  has sole  responsibility  for managing  the  business  affairs of the
partnership.

         Vintech Almond  Advisers,  Inc. is a California  corporation  which was
formed, in November 1986, for the purpose of acting as managing general partner.
Its sole shareholder is Donald D. Bade.

KEY MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL

         The key management personnel of Vintech Almond Advisors and Charterhill
Pacific,  the management  company,  have many years of proven  experience in all
phases  of the  agricultural  business  and real  estate  investments  including
day-to-day administration,  management, farming, and marketing. A brief synopsis
of the background of some of the key management personnel is listed below:

Donald D. Bade

         Mr. Bade, age 60, is president and chief  financial  officer of Vintech
Almond Advisors. He graduated from Stanford University in 1958, with a BA degree
in Economics.  His agricultural  investment career began in 1971, and since that
time he has been  instrumental in the  negotiation,  purchase,  and sale of over
$200 million  dollars of  agricultural  real estate in the San Joaquin Valley of
California.  Since  1971,  he  has  personally  managed  or had  the  management
responsibility  for over 10,000 acres of permanent crops, all located in the San
Joaquin Valley.

David A. Bade

         Mr.  Bade,  age 34, is the  president  and chief  financial  officer of
Charterhill  Pacific,  as well as the sole shareholder.  Charterhill Pacific was
founded  by  David  Bade  in  1991.   He   graduated   from   California   State
University-Chico in 1985 with a BS degree in Agriculture and Business. It's main
business is the management of investments and farm properties.

                                 Form 10KSB-15

<PAGE>

Item 10. Executive Compensation.

         The  partnership  does not pay or  employ  directly  any  directors  or
officers. Compensation to the directors and officers of Vintech Almond Advisors,
Inc., is based on Vintech Almond Advisors income from all activities rather than
from the results of the partnership in particular.

         The partnership has not established any plans pursuant to which cash or
non-cash  compensation has been paid or distributed  during the last fiscal year
or is proposed to be paid or distributed in the future,  nor has the partnership
issued or established  any options or rights  relating to the acquisition of its
securities or any plans  therefore.  However,  companies  related to the general
partner  have  received  and  are  expected  to  receive  certain   allocations,
distributions,   and  other  amounts  pursuant  to  the  partnership's   limited
partnership  agreement and the management  agreement between the partnership and
Charterhill Pacific, Inc. (See Note 3 to the financial statements.)


Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

         There is no person known to the partnership who owns beneficially or of
record  more  than  5%  of  the  voting  securities  of  the  partnership.   The
partnership's  general  partner owns no voting  securities  of the  partnership.
However,  the  general  partner  has  discretionary  control  over  most  of the
decisions  made  by or  for  the  partnership  pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the
partnership's limited partnership agreement. The partnership has no directors or
officers. The executive officers of the general partner of the partnership, as a
group, own less than 1% of the partnership's voting securities.

         Charterhill  Pacific,  Inc. has contracted to manage the administration
of the partnership and the farming operations. of the partnership ( See Footnote
3 to the financial statements.)

         There are no arrangements  known to the partnership,  the operations of
which  may,  at a  subsequent  date,  result  in a  change  in  control  of  the
partnership.


Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

         The partnership pays or has paid certain fees to related  parties.  See
Note 3 of the financial statements.

                                 Form 10KSB-16

<PAGE>



PART IV

Item 13. Exhibits  and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a).     Exhibits

         3.*               Partnership  agreement  included  in  the  Prospectus
                           (Exhibit 28.1)

         10.1*             Farm Management  Agreement  incorporated by reference
                           to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement,  filed
                           November 17, 1986

         10.2*             Amendments to the Farm Management Agreement

         10.3*             Property   purchase   agreement  for  Cressey  Ranch,
                           incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit  10.1  to
                           post-effective amendment Number 3, filed May 25, 1988
                           (File 33-10196)

         10.4*             Property  purchase  agreement  for  Robertson  Ranch,
                           incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit  10.1  to
                           post-effective  amendment  Number 4, filed August 15,
                           1988 (File 33-10196)

         10.5*             Property   purchase   agreement   for  Hooker  Ranch,
                           incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit  10.1  to
                           post-effective  amendment Number 5, filed February 9,
                           1989

         10.6*             Property   purchase   agreement  for  Clausen  Ranch,
                           incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 10.1 (Form 8-K
                           filed May 4, 1989)

         28.1*             Prospectus  filed  pursuant  to  Rule  424(b)  of the
                           Securities Act of 1933

         28.2*             Supplement  Number 1 to the Prospectus filed pursuant
                           to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933

         28.3*             Supplement  Number 2 to the Prospectus filed pursuant
                           to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933

         28.4*             Supplement  Number 3 to the Prospectus filed pursuant
                           to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933

         28.5*             Supplement  Number 4 to the  Prospectus  pursuant  to
                           Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933

* Previously Filed


(b).     Reports On Form-8K

         None

                                 Form 10KSB-17

<PAGE>


       CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISION OF
             THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995.

The Company has decided to take advantage of the new "Safe Harbor"  provision of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). In that
connection,   this  annual  report  of  Form  10-KSB  includes  forward  looking
statements  concerning  the Company.  The forward  looking  statements  are made
pursuant to the Reform Act.

There are many  factors  that  could  cause the events in such  forward  looking
statement  to not occur,  including  but not  limited  to  general  or  specific
economic  conditions,  the ability and willingness of the Company's  customer to
purchase the Company's product, the perceived absolute or relative overall value
of this product by the purchaser,  including  quality and price,  the weather or
affect of  weather  on the  Company's  orchards  and their  ability  to  produce
product,  the amount and rate of growth and the Company's  selling,  general and
administrative  expenses,  difficulties  in  obtaining  materials,  supplies and
equipment,  the  making or  incurring  or any  expenditures,  the  affect of and
changes in laws and  regulations,  other  activities of government  agencies and
similar organizations.

SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

         CALIFORNIA ALMOND INVESTORS I
         A California Limited Partnership

By:      Vintech Almond Advisers Inc.
         Its Managing General Partner



By:                                                               March 15, 1997
        ---------------------------------------------             --------------
                 David A.  Bade, President                        Date






         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
this  report has been  signed  below by the  following  persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                           <C>
- ------------------                  Director, Vintech Almond Advisers, Inc.       March 15, 1997
David A. Bade                       Principal Executive Officer                   --------------
                                    Principal Financial Officer                   Date
                                    Principal Accounting Officer of
                                        the Registrant and
                                        Vintech Almond Advisers, Inc.
</TABLE>

                                 Form 10KSB-18



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                   DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                         1,386,600
<SECURITIES>                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    844,800
<ALLOWANCES>                                           0
<INVENTORY>                                            0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               2,435,500
<PP&E>                                         4,607,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                 2,180,500
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 4,862,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                             84,300
<BONDS>                                                0
<COMMON>                                               0
                                  0
                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                     4,369,700
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   4,862,000
<SALES>                                        1,703,200
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               1,762,000
<CGS>                                                  0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  1,316,600
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                43,400
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  402,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                           0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              402,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                         0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                        0
<CHANGES>                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                     402,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      33.28
<EPS-DILUTED>                                          0
        


</TABLE>


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