Evidence from CIMMYT suggests that maize landraces in a major farming zone in the southeastern Mexican state of Chiapas have been replaced by hybrids and other improved varieties, as a result of state programs to promote modern, more productive agriculture. “Maize landraces have virtually disappeared in La Frailesca,” says research assistant Dagoberto Flores, referring to a large, commercial farming region in southern Chiapas state, southeastern Mexico. “In 2000, 90% of the area was sown to improved open-pollinated maize varieties and landraces; now the breakdown is probably 90% hybrids, 5% landraces, and 5% OPVs. The traditional practice of exchanging seed has almost disappeared.”