A viable maize seed industry is a key element in the extension of improved maize varieties to Third World farmers. In this report, the worldwide use and price of maize seed is analyzed by seed type. A discussion of issues central to maize seed production focuses on using seed of open-pollinated maize varieties or of hybrids, on public and private seed industries, and on incentives for establishing an effective seed industry. A series of tables presents recent data related to the maize economy in countries that grow over 100,000 hectares of maize and/or consume 100,000 tons. of the grain