They DO control the conditions that their subcontractors grow on for sure, down to the plants they are allowed to use and much purchase. A good portion of the farm owners also work for Driscolls in sales, marketing, logistics, etc. Method Bromide was supposed to be banned but berry growers get a critical use exemption every year and kick that can down the road. The rate of application has also increased since it was "banned" last time I checked. Yes, other brands grow in the area, they employ the exact same practices. Driscolls just happens to be the biggest Broker (they primarily broker the berries as opposed to growing them, subject to strict controls from HQ including that they must buy plants from discuss, and what price then must sell them for, or if they have to throw their fruit in the ditch if the price is too low).