Document:

EXHIBIT 10.8

                       EMPLOYMENT AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT

         This Employment and Separation Agreement (hereinafter "Agreement") is
made and entered into by and between George A. Lamberth (hereinafter "Lamberth")
and Minnesota Corn Processors, Inc., (hereinafter "the Company").

         WHEREAS, Lamberth has been employed by the Company as its Chief
Operating Officer and as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Liquid
Sugars, Inc. (hereinafter "LSI"); and

         WHEREAS, the Company has recently begun an integration of LSI into the
Company; and

         WHEREAS, Lamberth and the Company wish to set forth the terms of
Lamberth's role in the integration of LSI into the Company and affect the
termination of Lamberth's employment with the Company and LSI following his
completion of this role on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

         WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Company and Lamberth that this
Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the Company and
Lamberth, and shall in all respects supersede, terminate, replace, and supplant
the terms and conditions of any and all previous employment agreements and any
and all amendments thereto, whether written or oral, and understandings and
discussions relating to similar subjects, between Lamberth and the Company, LSI,
or any related company or entity;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the provisions and of the mutual
convenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

         1. Until such time as Lamberth's role in connection with the
integration of LSI into the Company has been completed (as determined in the
sole discretion of L. Dan Thompson, the Company's President and Chief Executive
Officer), or at a time determined in the sole discretion of L. Dan Thompson, the
Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, or until October 31, 1999,
whichever occurs later, the Company hereby agrees to employ Lamberth. During
this period of time, Lamberth hereby agrees to perform such job duties and
functions as may be reasonably determined and assigned to him from time-to-time
by L. Dan Thompson, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. During
this period of time, Lamberth agrees that he will devote his full time,
attention, knowledge, and skill exclusively to the loyal service of the Company
and will use his best efforts to carry out all of the duties and
responsibilities that are or may be assigned to him; however, Lamberth will be
provided with reasonable time to conduct a job search. During this period of
time, the Company will provide Lamberth with the compensation and benefits
described below:

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                  (a) Salary. An annual salary of $187,500.00, less legally
         required deductions and withholdings, payable to Lamberth at regular
         periodic payroll intervals in accordance with the Company's normal
         payroll practices.

                  (b) Vacation. Lamberth shall be entitled to two (2) weeks
         vacation per year and an additional two (2) weeks paid leave per year.

                  (c) Incentive Compensation. Lamberth shall be eligible to
         participate in the Company's annual discretionary bonus program.

                  (d) 401(k) Plan. Lamberth will be eligible to participate in
         the Company's 401(k) plan as per 401(k) plan policy.

                  (e) Annuity. The Company shall reimburse Lamberth
         approximately $13,000 in payment of the 1999 premium for an existing
         universal benefit policy. If Lamberth is still employed by the Company
         in October 2000 or October of any succeeding year, the Company shall
         reimburse Lamberth approximately $13,000 each year in payment of the
         premium for the existing universal benefit policy.

                  (f) Insurance Benefits. Lamberth shall be eligible to
         participate in all employee benefit plans or programs of the Company to
         the extent that his position, title, tenure, salary, age, health, and
         other qualifications make him eligible to participate. The Company does
         not guarantee the adoption or continuance of any particular employee
         benefit plan or program during the period of time covered by this
         Agreement, and Lamberth's participation in any such plan or program
         shall be subject to the provisions, rules, and regulations applicable
         thereto.

                  (g) Employment-Related Expenses. The Company shall pay or
         reimburse Lamberth for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket
         expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties pursuant to
         this Agreement, subject to the presentment of appropriate vouchers in
         accordance with the Company's normal policies for expense verification.

         2. Lamberth will resign all officer, director, and other positions with
the Company and LSI, including, but not limited to, Chief Operating Officer of
the Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of LSI, as of the close of
business on the date Lamberth's role in connection with the integration of LSI
into the Company has been completed (as determined in the sole discretion of L.
Dan Thompson, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer), or at a time
determined in the sole discretion of L. Dan Thompson, the Company's President
and Chief Executive Officer, or as of the close of business on October 31, 1999,
whichever occurs later (hereinafter "the

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<PAGE>

Resignation Date"). The Company will accept Lamberth's resignation of all
officer, director, and other positions with the Company and LSI as of such date
and time.

         3. The parties agree that Lamberth's employment with the Company and
LSI may be terminated PRIOR to the Resignation Date as set forth below:

                  (a) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this
         Agreement, the parties agree that Lamberth's employment automatically
         will terminate in the event of Lamberth's death.

                  (b) In the event Lamberth becomes mentally or physically
         disabled, Lamberth's employment will terminate as of the date such
         disability is established. As used in this Agreement, "disability"
         means that Lamberth sustains a disability which is serious enough that
         he is not able to perform the essential functions of his job, with or
         without reasonable accommodations, and defined by various state and
         federal disability laws. Lamberth shall be presumed to have such a
         disability for the purposes of this Agreement if Lamberth qualifies,
         because of injury, illness, or incapacity, to begin receiving
         disability income insurance payments under the long-term disability
         income insurance policy that the Company maintains for the benefit of
         its officers generally. If there is no such policy in effect at the
         date of Lamberth's injury, illness, or incapacity, Lamberth shall be
         presumed to have such a disability for the purpose of this Agreement if
         Lamberth is substantially incapable of performing his duties for a
         period of more than twelve (12) weeks.

                  (c) The Company may terminate Lamberth's employment for cause
         without notice to Lamberth. For purpose of this Agreement, "cause"
         shall mean Lamberth:

                           (i) has engaged in any willful and material
                  misconduct, including willful and material failure to perform
                  his duties as an officer or employee of the Company, and has
                  failed to cure such default within thirty (30) days after
                  receipt of written notice of such conduct from the Company; or

                           (ii) has committed fraud, misappropriation, or
                  embezzlement with the Company's business or assets; or

                           (iii) has been convicted or pleaded nolo contendere
                  to criminal misconduct (excluding misdemeanors or traffic
                  violations); or

                           (iv) has used narcotics, liquor, or illicit drugs
                  resulting in a detrimental effect on the performance of his
                  employment responsibilities.

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<PAGE>

                  (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph 3(c) above,
         the Company may terminate Lamberth's employment for any reason, whether
         or not such reason constitutes cause, so long as the Company complies
         with the provisions of paragraph 10 below.

                  (e) Lamberth may terminate his employment with the Company for
         good reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "good reason" shall mean a
         material diminution in Lamberth's duties and responsibilities such that
         he is no longer an executive management employee of the Company.

                  (f) Lamberth may terminate his employment with the Company for
         any reason upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Company.

         4. The parties agree that, should Lamberth's employment with the
Company be terminated by reason of Lamberth's death as set forth in subparagraph
3(a) above, his wife, or if she is no longer living, then his estate, shall be
entitled to receive any salary earned prior to such termination and a pro rata
amount of any bonus earned prior to such termination. In addition, Lamberth's
wife, or if she is no longer living, then Lamberth's estate shall be eligible to
receive the payments and benefits set forth in paragraph 10 below. However, the
Company shall have no obligation to provide those payments or benefits to
Lamberth's wife or estate until Lamberth's wife or a representative of
Lamberth's estate executes a general release of claims in a form acceptable to
the Company and until any required recission and revocation periods have passed
without Lamberth's wife or a representative of Lamberth's estate exercising her
or his recission and revocation rights.

         5. The parties agree that, should Lamberth's employment with the
Company be terminated by reason of Lamberth's disability as set forth in
subparagraph 3(b) above, Lamberth shall be entitled to receive any salary earned
prior to such termination and a pro rata amount of any bonus earned prior to
such termination. In addition, Lamberth shall be eligible to receive the
payments and benefits set forth in paragraph 10 below. However, the Company
shall have no obligation to provide those payments and benefits to Lamberth
until after Lamberth has executed the General Release attached hereto as Exhibit
A and until after the recission and revocation periods contained in paragraph 3
of the General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A have passed without Lamberth
exercising his recission and revocation rights. The amount of payments and
benefits due under paragraph 10 below shall be reduced by any payments to which
Lamberth may be entitled for the same period because of disability under any
disability or pension plan or program of the Company or as a result of any
workers' compensation or non-occupational disability payments received by
Lamberth from any governmental entity.

         6. The parties agree that, should Lamberth's employment with the
Company be terminated for good cause as set forth in subparagraph 3(c) above, no
further payments

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or benefits shall be required to be paid or provided by the Company to Lamberth
under paragraph 10 below or any other provision of this Agreement except for
Lamberth's salary earned prior to such termination.

         7. The parties agree that, should Lamberth's employment with the
Company be terminated without good cause as set forth in subparagraph 3(d)
above, Lamberth shall (1) be entitled to receive any salary earned prior to such
termination and (2) a pro rata amount of any bonus earned prior to such
termination. In addition, Lamberth shall be entitled to receive the payments and
benefits provided for in paragraph 10 below. However, the Company shall have no
obligation to provide those payments and benefits to Lamberth until after
Lamberth has executed the General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A and until
after the recission and revocation periods contained in paragraph 3 of the
General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A have passed without Lamberth
exercising his recission and revocation rights.

         8. The parties agree that, should Lamberth's employment with the
Company be terminated for good reason as set forth in subparagraph 3(e) above,
Lamberth shall be entitled to receive any salary earned prior to such
termination and a pro rata amount of any bonus earned prior to such termination.
In addition, Lamberth shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits
provided for in paragraph 10 below. However, the Company shall have no
obligation to provide those payments and benefits to Lamberth until after
Lamberth has executed the General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A and until
after the recission and revocation periods contained in paragraph 3 of the
General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A have passed without Lamberth
exercising his recission and revocation rights.

         9. The parties agree that, should Lamberth's employment with the
Company be terminated by Lamberth as set forth in subparagraph 3(f) above, no
further payments or benefits shall be required to be paid or provided by the
Company to Lamberth under paragraph 10 below, or any other provision of this
Agreement except for Lamberth's salary earned prior to such termination.

         10. As consideration for Lamberth's promises and obligations under this
Agreement, including, but not limited to, Lamberth's agreement to release any
and all claims against the Company as provided in paragraph 15 of this Agreement
and Exhibit A to this Agreement, and subject to the terms hereof, the Company
agrees as follows:

                  (a) The Company, after the Resignation Date, will continue, as
         separation pay, Lamberth's then current annual gross salary, less
         legally required deductions and withholding, for a period terminating
         twelve (12) months after the Resignation Date. This separation pay will
         be paid to Lamberth at regular, periodic payroll intervals in
         accordance with the payroll practices in effect immediately before
         Lamberth's resignation. The amount of the separation pay

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<PAGE>

         shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by Lamberth as a result
         of any employment by any other employer and/or consulting work.

                  (b) Following the Resignation Date, for the period of time
         Lamberth is receiving separation pay from the Company, Lamberth may
         participate in, at the Company's expense, the group health insurance
         plans or programs Lamberth participates in at the time of Lamberth's
         resignation, including, if applicable, coverages then in effect for
         Lamberth's family members; provided that: (i) if the Company determines
         that such participation would have adverse effect on the underwriting,
         regulatory, or tax treatment intended for such plans or programs, then
         the Company may, at its option and expense, make other arrangements
         which will provide Lamberth and such family members with comparable
         benefits; and (ii) the Company's obligation to provide health benefits
         shall terminate when (a) Lamberth is covered under another company's
         group health plan, (b) Lamberth is eligible (whether or not covered)
         under Medicare, or (c) Lamberth dies. The benefits described herein
         shall be in addition to any rights Lamberth has under federal or state
         law, including COBRA.

                  (c) The Company agrees to provide Lamberth with a letter of
         reference in the form of the letter attached hereto as Exhibit B.

                  (d) The Company will allow Lamberth to retain the laptop
         computer provided to him by the Company.

                  (e) All of items of remuneration or benefit not specifically
         mentioned in subparagraphs 10(a) through 10(d) above, including, but
         not limited to, unused or accrued vacation, bonuses, and commissions
         are included in said separation pay and benefits, and, other than as
         set forth in paragraphs 4, 5, 7, and 8 above, Lamberth has no further
         claim to any other items of remuneration or benefits following the
         Resignation Date.

         11. As an essential inducement to the Company to enter into this
Agreement, Lamberth agrees as follows:

                  (a) Lamberth acknowledges that, during his employment with the
         Company and LSI, he was exposed to, or acquired, confidential
         information as defined in this subparagraph. Lamberth understands and
         agrees that such confidential information was disclosed to him in
         confidence and for the sole benefit of the Company and LSI. Lamberth
         agrees that he will : (i) diligently protect the confidentiality of all
         confidential information; (ii) not disclose or communicate any
         confidential information to any third party without the consent of the
         Company; and (iii) not make use of confidential information on his own
         behalf or on behalf of any third party. When confidential information
         becomes

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<PAGE>

         generally available to the public by means other than Lamberth's acts
         or omissions, it is no longer subject to this subparagraph. Lamberth
         expressly acknowledges that the undertaking set forth in this
         subparagraph shall survive indefinitely, notwithstanding the expiration
         or termination of other agreements or duties in this Agreement. As used
         in this Agreement, "confidential information" means information not
         generally known that is proprietary to the Company and/or LSI. This
         information includes, but is not limited to, trade secret information
         about the Company's and/or LSI's processes, products, and business,
         such as information relating to research, development, manufacture,
         purchases, accounting, engineering, marketing, merchandising, selling,
         leasing, servicing, customers, finance, and business systems and
         techniques. This information also includes, but is not limited to,
         written lists of the customers of the Company and/or LSI. All
         information which was disclosed to Lamberth or to which Lamberth
         obtained access, during the period of his employment, that he had
         reasonable basis to be confidential information shall be presumed to be
         confidential information. This applies whether the confidential
         information was originally identified by Lamberth or others.

                  (b) Upon the Resignation Date, Lamberth shall deliver promptly
         to the Company all records, manuals, books, forms, documents, letters,
         memoranda, notes, notebooks, reports, data, computer files, tables,
         calculations, or copies thereof that are the property of the Company or
         which relate in any way to the business, products, or practices of the
         Company, and all other property including, but not limited to, all
         documents or databases which in whole or in part contain trade secrets
         or confidential information of the Company which are in Lamberth's
         possession or control.

                  (c) In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Lambert
         of the provisions of subparagraphs 11(a) and/or 11(b) above, during or
         after the term of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to
         injunctive relief restraining Lamberth from violation of such
         subparagraph. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the
         Company from pursuing any other remedy at law or in equity it may have
         in the event of breach or threatened breach of such subparagraphs by
         Lamberth.

         12. Lamberth agrees that he will cooperate with the Company and LSI
with respect to any claims or lawsuits brought or threatened to be brought
against the Company and/or LSI and their predecessors, successors, assigns,
subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their officers, directors, employees, and
agents, which claims or lawsuits relate to or involve Lamberth's employment by
the Company and/or LSI or any transactions, decisions, or actions of the Company
and/or LSI in which Lamberth was involved while an employee (hereinafter the
"Covered Subjects"). As part of Lamberth's agreement to cooperate, Lamberth
agrees to make himself available upon reasonable

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notice at mutually agreeable times to discuss with the Company and/or LSI and
their counsel issues related to litigation or potential litigation exposure with
respect to Covered Subjects. Lamberth also agrees to appear without subpoena for
deposition or testimony at the request of the Company and/or LSI in connection
with claims or lawsuits relating to Covered Subjects. The Company and LSI agree
that, when their requests require Lamberth to travel, they will pay Lamberth's
reasonable expenses, including "out-of-pocket" expenses and documented lost
wages consistent with the Company's policy governing reimbursement to its
employees.

         13. Lamberth shall not initiate any press releases or solicit any news
coverage with respect to Lamberth's separation from the Company and LSI or this
Agreement.

         14. Lamberth will not make any remarks, whether written or oral,
disparaging of the Company and/or LSI, their officers, directors, or employees.

         15. By this Agreement, Lamberth intends to settle any and all claims
that he has or may have against the Company and/or LSI as a result of the
Company's and/or LSI's hiring Lamberth, Lamberth's employment with the Company
and/or LSI, or the cessation of Lamberth's employment with the Company and/or
LSI, or any act, occurrence, or omission occurring prior to the date of this
Agreement. For the consideration expressed herein, Lamberth hereby releases,
acquits, satisfies, and forever discharges the Company and LSI, their
predecessors, successors, assigns, parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and
related companies, their officers, directors, shareholders, agents, servants,
employees, and insurers from all liability for damages and agrees not to
institute any claim for damages, nor authorize any other party, governmental or
otherwise, to seek individual remedies for Lamberth via administrative or legal
proceedings. Lamberth's release of claims is intended to extend to and include,
among other things, claims of any kind arising under or based upon the Minnesota
Human Rights Act, Minn. Stat. ss.ss. 363.01, et seq., the California Fair
Employment and Housing Act, Cal. Gov't Code ss. 12900, et seq.; Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. ss.ss. 2000e, et seq.; the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. ss.ss. 621, et seq.; the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. ss.ss. 1001, et seq.; the Americans with
Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. ss.ss. 12101, et seq.; and any other federal, state,
or local law, rule, or regulation prohibiting employment discrimination or
otherwise relating to employment; and any claims based upon, among other things,
common law theories of recovery, including, but not limited to, those in
contract, quasi-contract, or tort; and any claims based upon any other theory,
whether legal or equitable, arising from or related to any matter or fact
arising prior to the signing this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any
matter or fact arising out of the events giving rise to this Agreement.

         16. Lamberth acknowledges that he is familiar with the provisions of
California Civil Code ss. 1542 and, to the extent California Civil Code ss. 1542
is applicable to this

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Agreement, he waives California Civil Code ss. 1542 to the full extent permitted
by law. California Civil Code ss. 1542 states:

         A general release does not extend to claims which the
         creditor does not know or expect to exist in his favor at the
         time of executing the release, which if known by him must
         have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.

Lambert waives any and all rights and benefits conferred by any law of any state
or territory of the United States or any foreign country, or principle of common
law, which is similar, comparable, or equivalent to California Civil Code ss.
1542.

         17. Lamberth has been informed of his right to revoke this Agreement
insofar as it extends to potential claims under the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. ss.ss. 621, et seq., by informing the Company of his
intent to revoke this Agreement within seven (7) calendar days after his
execution of this Agreement.

         Lamberth has been informed of his right to rescind this Agreement
insofar as it extends to potential claims under the Minnesota Human Rights Act,
Minn. Stat.ss.ss. 363.01, et seq., by written notice to the Company within
fifteen (15) calendar days after his execution of this Agreement. Lamberth has
been informed and he understand that any such recission must be in writing and
delivered to the Company in care of Joe Bennett, Esq., by hand or mail within
the applicable time period. If delivered by mail, the recission must be: (i)
postmarked within the applicable period; (ii) sent by certified mail, return
receipt requested; and (iii) addressed as follows: Joe Bennett, Esq., Minnesota
Corn Processors, Inc., 901 North Highway 59, Marshall, MN 56258-2744.

         18. Lamberth has also been informed that the terms of this Agreement
will be open for acceptance and execution by him for a period of twenty-one (21)
days during which time he may consult with an attorney and consider whether to
accept this Agreement. Changes to this Agreement, whether material or
immaterial, will not restart the running of this twenty-one (21) day acceptance
period.

         19. Lamberth understands that, in the event of any such revocation or
recission as provided for in paragraph 17 above, the Company may, at its option,
either nullify this Agreement in its entirety or keep it in effect as to all
claims not revoked or rescinded in accordance with the revocation or recission
provisions of paragraph 17 above. In the event the Company opts to nullify the
entire Agreement, Lamberth understands that the Company will have no obligations
under this Agreement to him or others whose rights derive from him, and Lamberth
agrees to repay to the Company any payments made to him or benefits conferred
upon him pursuant to this Agreement prior to the date of revocation or
recission.

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<PAGE>

         20. As a condition precedent to the rights and benefits conferred under
this Agreement, Lamberth agrees to execute, on the Resignation Date, the General
Release attached hereto as Exhibit A and by this reference incorporated herein.
The Company shall have no obligations to Lamberth under this Agreement until
after Lamberth has executed the General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A,
and until after the revocation and recission periods contained in paragraph 3 of
the General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A have passed without Lamberth
exercising his revocation and recission rights. Lamberth understands that, in
the event of any such revocation or recission as provided for in paragraph 3 of
the General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Company may, at its
option, either nullify this Agreement in its entirety or keep it in effect as to
all claims not revoked or rescinded in accordance with the revocation or
recission provisions of paragraph 3 of the General Release attached hereto as
Exhibit A. In the event the Company opts to nullify the entire Agreement,
Lamberth understands that the Company will have no obligations under this
Agreement to him or others whose rights derive from him, and Lamberth agrees to
repay to the Company any payments made to him or benefits conferred upon him
pursuant to this Agreement prior to the date of revocation or recission.

         21. If Lamberth breaches any material obligation imposed under this
Agreement, including, but not limited to, the covenants set forth in paragraph
11 above, the Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and all
further obligations the Company has under this Agreement to Lamberth or to
others whose rights may derive from him will cease.

         22. This Agreement (including the attached Exhibits A and B) contains
the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter
of this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes, terminates, replaces, and
supplants the terms and conditions of any and all other agreements and any and
all amendments thereto, whether written or oral, and discussions and
understandings between the parties relating in any way to the hiring or
employment of Lamberth by the Company and/or LSI or the cessation of such
employment.

         23. This Agreement may not be modified, altered, or amended except by
an instrument in writing, signed by the parties hereto. No term or condition of
this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any
estoppel against enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by
written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such
written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless it is specifically
stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term
or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition
for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived.

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<PAGE>

         24. Lamberth agrees to keep the terms and existence of this Agreement
confidential (with the exception of the provisions of paragraph 11 above and the
contents of Exhibit B) and agrees not to disclose any such information to any
person other than his present or future attorneys, accountants, tax advisors,
immediate family, or as may be required in response to a court order, subpoena,
or valid inquiry by a government agency or regulator. Lamberth further agrees
that if any information concerning the terms or existence of this Agreement is
revealed as permitted by this paragraph, he shall inform the recipient of the
information that it is confidential.

         25. The validity, interpretation, construction, performance,
enforcement, and remedies of or relating to this Agreement, and the rights and
obligations of the parties hereunder, shall be governed by the laws of the State
of Minnesota.

         26. Lamberth and the Company agree that this Agreement is not an
admission by the Company of any wrong doing or of any acts that might be
considered a violation of a federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation,
or a breach of any agreement, with respect to the employment of Lamberth or
otherwise, and that this Agreement should not be interpreted as such.

         27. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid,
or unenforceable under the present or future laws, rules, or regulations, such
provision shall be fully severable; this Agreement shall be construed and
enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never
comprised a part of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the
illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this
Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable
provision, there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a
provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable
provision as may be possible and be legal, valid, and enforceable.

         28. Lamberth may not assign any of his rights, or delegate any of his
duties or obligations under this Agreement. The rights and obligations of the
Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the successors (by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) and assigns of
the Company. In the event Lamberth dies before all payments due to him under
this Agreement have been made, then all such payments shall continue to be made
to his wife, or, if she is no longer living, then to his estate.

         29. Lamberth has read this Agreement and agrees to the conditions and
obligations set forth. Further, Lamberth agrees that he has had adequate time to
consider the terms of this Agreement, that he is voluntarily entering into this
Agreement with a full understanding of its meaning, and that he has been advised
to consult with an attorney prior to the signing of this Agreement.

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<PAGE>

         30. Lamberth understands and agrees that the Employment and Separation
Agreement and General Release will not constitute a binding and an effective
Agreement until both the Employment and Separation Agreement and General Release
are signed by L. Dan Thompson, the Company's President and Chief Executive
Officer.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lamberth and the Company, acting through its Board
of Directors after due consideration and authorization, have executed this
Agreement by their signatures below.

Date:   June 25, 1999                  /s/ George A. Lamberth
      -----------------                -----------------------------------------
                                       George A. Lamberth

                                       MINNESOTA CORN PROCESSORS, INC.

Date:   June 28, 1999                  By:  /s/ L. Dan Thompson
      -----------------                     ------------------------------------
                                       Its: President
                                            ------------------------------------

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                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                                GENERAL RELEASE

         This General Release is made and entered into as of the 2nd day of
September, 1999, by and between Minnesota Corn Processors (hereinafter "the
Company") and George A. Lamberth (hereinafter "Lamberth").

         WHEREAS, Lamberth and the Company are parties to an Employment and
Separation Agreement (hereinafter "Agreement") dated June 28, 1999;

         WHEREAS, Lamberth and the Company intend to settle any and all claims
that Lamberth may have against the Company as a result of any act, occurrence,
omission occurring subsequent to the signing of the Agreement and prior to the
signing of this General Release, including, but not limited to, any matter or
fact arising out of the events giving rise to the Agreement or this General
Release;

         WHEREAS, under the terms of the Agreement, which Lamberth agrees is
fair and reasonable, Lamberth agreed to enter into this General Release as a
condition precedent to the separation payments and benefits conferred under the
Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the provisions and the mutual
covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

         1. For the consideration expressed in the Agreement, Lamberth intends
to settle any and all claims that he has or may have against the Company and
Liquid Sugars, Inc. (hereinafter "LSI") as a result of the Company's and/or
LSI's hiring Lamberth, Lamberth's employment with the Company and/or LSI, or the
cessation of Lamberth's employment with the Company and/or LSI, or any act,
occurrence, or omission occurring subsequent to the signing of the Agreement and
prior to the signing of this General Release, including, but not limited to, any
matter or fact arising out of the events giving rise to the Agreement or this
General Release. For the consideration expressed in the Agreement, Lamberth
hereby releases, acquits, satisfies, and forever discharges the Company and LSI,
their predecessors, assigns, parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and related
companies and their officers, directors, shareholders, agents, servants,
employees, and insurers from all liability for damages and agrees not to
institute any claim for damages, nor otherwise authorize any other party,
governmental or otherwise, to seek individual remedies for Lamberth via
administrative or legal proceedings. Lamberth's release of claims is intended to
extend to and include, among other things, claims of any kind arising under or
based upon the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minn. Stat. ss.ss. 363.01, et seq.;
the California Employment and Housing Act, Cal. Gov't Code ss. 12900, et seq.;
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. ss.ss. 2000e, et seq.; the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. ss.ss. 621, et seq.; the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. ss.ss. 1001, et seq.; the
Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

ss.ss. 12101, et seq.; and any other federal, state, or local law, rule, or
regulation prohibiting employment discrimination or otherwise relating to
employment; any claims based upon, among other things, common law theories of
recovery, including, but not limited to, those in contract, quasi-contract, or
tort; and any claims based upon any other theory, whether legal or equitable,
arising from or related to any matter or fact arising subsequent to the signing
the Agreement and prior to the signing this General Release, including, but not
limited to, any matter or fact arising out of the events giving rise to the
Agreement or this General Release.

         2. Lamberth acknowledges that he is familiar with the provisions of
California Civil Code ss. 1542 and, to the extent California Civil Code ss. 1542
is applicable to this General Release, he waives California Civil Code ss. 1542
to the full extent permitted by law. California Civil Code ss. 1542 states:

         A general release does not extend to claims which the
         creditor does not know or expect to exist in his favor at the
         time of executing the release, which if known by him must
         have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.

Lamberth waives any and all rights and benefits conferred by any law of any
state or territory of the United States or any foreign country, as principle of
common law, which is similar, comparable, or equivalent to California Civil Code
ss. 1542.

         3. Lamberth has been informed of his right to revoke this General
Release insofar as it extends to potential claims under the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. ss.ss. 621, et seq., by informing the Company of
his intent to revoke this General Release within seven (7) calendar days after
his execution of this General Release.

         Lamberth has been informed of his right to rescind this General Release
insofar as it extends to potential claims under the Minnesota Human Rights Act,
Minn. Stat.ss.ss. 363.01, et seq., by written notice to the Company within
fifteen (15) calendar days after his execution of this General Release. Lamberth
has been informed and he understands that any such recission must be in writing
and delivered to the Company in care of Joe Bennett, Esq., by hand or mail
within the applicable time period. If delivered by mail, the recission must be:
(i) postmarked within the applicable period; (ii) sent by certified mail, return
receipt requested; and (iii) addressed as follows: Joe Bennett, Esq., Minnesota
Corn Processors, 901 North Highway 59, Marshall, MN 56258-2744.

         4. Lamberth understands that, in the event of any such revocation or
recission as provided for in paragraph 3 of this General Release, the Company
may, at its option, either nullify the Agreement in its entirety or keep it in
effect as to all claims not revoked or rescinded in accordance with the
revocation or recission provision of paragraph 3 of

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

this General Release. In the event the Company opts to nullify the entire
Agreement, Lamberth understands that the Company will have no obligations under
the Agreement to him or others whose rights derive from him, and Lamberth agrees
to repay to the Company any payments made to him or benefits conferred upon him
pursuant to the Agreement prior to the date of revocation or recission.

         5. If Lamberth violates any material obligation imposed under either
this General Release or the Agreement, including, but not limited to, the
covenants set forth in paragraph 11 of the Agreement, the Company shall have the
right to terminate the Agreement and all further obligations the Company has or
may have under the Agreement to Lamberth or to others whose rights may derive
from him will cease.

         6. This General Release shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit
of, Lamberth and the Company and their respective successors and permitted
assigns.

         7. Lamberth hereby acknowledges and states that he has read this
General Release and the Agreement and that he has been advised to consult with
an attorney prior to signing this General Release. Lamberth further represents
that he has had adequate time to consider the terms of this General Release and
the Agreement, that this General Release is written in language which is
understandable to him, that he fully appreciates the meaning of the terms of
this General Release, and that he enters into this General Release freely and
voluntarily.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lamberth, after due consideration, has authorized,
executed, and delivered this General Release all as of the date first written
above.

Date: September 2, 1999                /s/ George A. Lamberth
      -----------------                -----------------------------------------
                                       George A. Lamberth

                                       MINNESOTA CORN PROCESSORS, INC.

Date: June 28, 1999                    By:  L. Dan Thompson
      -----------------                     ------------------------------------
                                       Its: President

                                      A-3<PAGE>

                                                                     Exhibit 4.1

     COMMON STOCK             [LOGO OF RITA MEDICAL]            COMMON STOCK
         RMS
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS                                    SEE REVERSE FOR
 OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE                                    CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

                                                             CUSIP 76774E 10 3

This Certifies that

is the record holder of

 FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE, OF
                         RITA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or
by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate properly
endorsed. This certificate is not valid until countersigned by the Transfer
Agent and registered by the Registrar.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Corporation has caused this certificate to be signed
in facsimile by its duly authorized officers and a facsimile of its corporate
seal.

Dated:

        /s/ Mark B. Weeks                                      /s/ Barry Cheskin
            SECRETARY                     PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

              [INCORPORATED SEAL OF RITA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.]

COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
U.S. STOCK TRANSFER CORPORATION

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
BY

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
<PAGE>

                         RITA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

   THE CORPORATION WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH STOCKHOLDER WHO SO
REQUESTS, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE DESIGNATIONS, RELATIVE RIGHTS, PREFERENCES
AND LIMITATIONS OF EACH CLASS OF STOCK OR SERIES THEREOF AUTHORIZED TO BE
ISSUED AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION TO
DESIGNATE AND FIX THE RELATIVE RIGHTS, PREFERENCES AND LIMITATIONS OF CLASSES
OF PREFERRED STOCK IN SERIES.

   The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out
in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM-as tenants in common            UNIF GIFT MIN ACT-      Custodian
TEN ENT-as tenants by the entireties                      ------         -------
JT WROS-as joint tenants with right                       (Cust)         (Minor)
        of survivorship and not as                        under Uniform Gifts to
        tenants in common                                 Minors Act
                                                                    ----------
                                                                      (State)

   Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

   For value received,________________________________ hereby sell, assign and
transfer unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
   IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
                (Please print or typewrite name and address
                   including postal zip code of assignee)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________Shares

of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby

irrevocably constitute and appoint______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________Attorney

to transfer the said Shares on the Books of the within-named Coporation with

full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:____________________________

                                        ________________________________________
                                        NOTICE: The signature to this
                                        assignment must correspond with the
                                        name as written upon the face of the
                                        certificate in every particular,
                                        without alteration or enlargement, or
                                        any change whatever.

SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED:___________________________________________
                        THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN
                        ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS,
                        STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS
                        AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN
                        APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION
                        PROGRAM), PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00011-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00011-of-00352.parquet"}]]