The high prices of new maize seed varieties in Indonesia has prevented some farmers, especially those in remote areas, from accessing high quality seed to increase their yields. This study aimed to accelerate the distribution of new high yield varieties by establishing community-based seed production systems at the village level to produce and provide high quality seed at an affordable price for farmers. Research was carried out in South Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara provinces between 2002 and 2004. Several seed varieties were tried and tested by farmers to first establish their preference based on local needs and conditions. Farmers in both locations preferred the Lamuru variety, which they began producing and distributing at both the community level and to nearby provinces. Results confirm that the local seed growers were able to produce high quality seed and disseminate them to local farmers. In South Sulawesi, for example, seed sold by local growers increased from 57 tons in 2003 to 92.5 tons in 2004. The authors therefore conclude that establishing community-based seed production systems can lead to accelerated distribution of new high-yielding seed varieties.