such as Agroponiente, Unica Group, CASI, Alhóndiga La Unión, Agroiris and Vicasol account for 35% of the market share in 2015. Sustainable practices Some farms in El Ejido have begun to take up sustainable growing practices, i.e. practicing IPM, using biological crop protection and residue-free growing. Some comply to very strict specifications, forcing them to develop a greenhouse management based on the principles of integrated production with a minimum use of synthetic products for fertilization (meaning that no pesticides are used). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) In agriculture, integrated pest management (IPM) or integrated pest control (IPC) is understood as a strategy that uses a variety of complementary methods: physical, mechanical, chemical, biological, genetic, legal and cultural for control of pests. These methods are applied in three stages: prevention, observation and application. It is an ecological method that aims to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and minimize the impact on the environment. There is also talk about ecological pest management (EPM) and natural pest management. Up to 2015, 60% of the area devoted to horticultural crops in the province used biological pest control techniques. The percentages are higher in some fundamental crops like pepper, 100%, and tomato, 85%. In all, some 26600 hectares of protected horticulture use these techniques, when in 2006 they were only used in about 129. The Regional Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Andalusian Government is launching a plan (Compromiso Verde or Green Commitment) in 2016 to expand the area to 100%. For the Regional Government, this is the model that should extend the distances with traditional crops and leave a definitive patent that Almeria produces with more quality, more traceability and more food security than any: ...guarantees the quality and improves the positioning of our products in international markets, increases the profitability of farms, enhances respect for the environment and minimizes the presence of insect vectors of viruses and favors the correct management of pests." (Carmen Ortiz Rivas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development.) Analysis of horticultural products indicate that only 0,6% of samples show pesticide residues, when the European average is 2,8% (five times more). Hydroponics Some greenhouses are beginning to use computer-controlled hydroponics systems, using rock wool for rooting. Aerial photographs and coordinates Centre of Campo de Dalías - Google maps Dense concentration of plastic greenhouses Eastern outskirts of Almería Níjar valley Carchuna Valley north of Castell de Ferro See