EXHIBIT 10.27

                                  NOTE BTI-6

                         BIOTECHNICA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                                 Promissory Note

For value received, BioTechnica International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, 
promises to pay to Limagrain Genetics Corp., a Delaware corporation, the sum 
of Three Million, Two Hundred Sixty Thousand, Eight Hundred and forty-six 
U.S. Dollars ($3,260,846).

This note replaces and cancels NOTE BTI-0, dated June 30, 1996, in the same 
face amount.  By acceptance of this note, the previous note is considered 
canceled.

The indebtedness evidenced by this note is subordinated to any and all 
indebtedness, obligations, and liabilities of BioTechnica International, 
Inc., hereof to Harris Trust and Savings Bank in the manner and to the 
extent set forth in that certain Subordination Agreement with said Bank dated
June 29, 1994, to which reference is hereby made of a more full statement 
thereof.

This note covers the period July 1, 1996 through July 1, 1999.  This note 
will be due and payable on July 1, 1999.

The interest rate for each period (July 1 through June 30 of the following 
year) will be at a rate of five percent per annum (5%).

Interest will be made annually to Limagrain Genetics Corp. on June 20 prior 
to the end of each annual period.

In the event of default, BioTechnica International, Inc. agrees to pay all 
costs of collection and reasonable attorneys' fees to the extent permitted by 
law.  This note will be governed under the laws of the State of Illinois.

Signed under seal this 22nd day of April, 1997.

BIOTECHNICA INTERNATIONAL, INC.       LIMAGRAIN GENETICS CORP.

/s/ Bruno Carette                     /s/ Emmanuel Rougier
by Bruno Carette, President and COO   by Emmanuel Rougier, President and COO


  
                                 NOTE BTI-7

                        BIOTECHNICA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
                               Promissory Note
                              (Non-Subordinated)

For value received, BioTechnica International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, 
promises to pay to Limagrain Genetics Corp., a Delaware corporation, the sum 
of One Million U.S. Dollars ($1,000,000).

This note replaces and cancels NOTE BTI-4, dated December 1, 1996, in the 
same face amount.  By acceptance of this note, the previous note is 
considered canceled.

The interest rate is five percent per annum (5%).  Interest accrued through 
June 30, 1997 will be paid to Limagrain Genetics Corp. on June 20, 1997.  
Interest accrued through July 1, 1998 will be paid to Limagrain Genetics Corp. 
on June 20, 1998.  Interest accrued through July 1, 1999 will be paid to 
Limagrain Genetics Corp. on June 20, 1999.

The term of the note will be for a period of thirty-one (31) months from 
December 1, 1996 to July 1, 1999.

Early payments against principal are allowed upon the mutual agreement of 
BioTechnica International, Inc. and Limagrain Genetics Corp.  In such case, 
the interest cost will be calculated through the date of the prepayment.

In the event of default, BioTechnica International, Inc. agrees to pay all 
costs of collection and reasonable attorneys' fees to the extent permitted by 
law.  This note will be governed under the laws of the State of Illinois.

Signed under seal this 22nd day of April, 1997.

BIOTECHNICA INTERNATIONAL, INC.       LIMAGRAIN GENETICS CORP.

/s/ Bruno Carette                     /s/ Emmanuel Rougier
by Bruno Carette, President and COO   by Emmanuel Rougier, President and COO



                                 NOTE BTI-8

                       BIOTECHNICA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                               Promissory Note
                               (Subordinated)

For value received, BioTechnica International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, 
promises to pay to Limagrain Genetics Corp., a Delaware corporation, the sum 
of One Million U.S. Dollars ($1,000,000).

This note replaces and cancels NOTE BTI-5, dated December 1, 1996, in the same 
face amount.  By acceptance of this note, the previous note is considered 
canceled.

The indebtedness evidenced by this note is subordinated to any and all 
indebtedness, obligations, and liabilities of BioTechnica International, Inc.,
hereof to Harris Trust and Savings Bank in the manner and to the extent set 
forth in that certain Subordination Agreement with said bank dated June 29, 
1994, to which reference is hereby made of a more full statement thereof.

The interest rate is five percent per annum (5%).  Interest accrued through 
June 30, 1997 will be paid to Limagrain Genetics Corp. on June 20, 1997.  
Interest accrued through July 1, 1998 will be paid to Limagrain Genetics Corp. 
on June 20, 1998.  Interest accrued through July 1, 1999 will be paid to 
Limagrain Genetics Corp. on June 20, 1999.

The term of the note will be for a period of thirty-one (31) months from 
December 1, 1996 to July 1, 1999.

Early payments against principal are allowed upon the mutual agreement of 
BioTechnica International, Inc. and Limagrain Genetics Corp.  In such case, 
the interest cost will be calculated through the date of the prepayment.

In the event of default, BioTechnica International, Inc. agrees to pay all 
costs of collection and reasonable attorneys' fees to the extent permitted 
by law.  This note will be governed under the laws of the State of Illinois.

Signed under seal this 22nd day of April, 1997.

BIOTECHNICA INTERNATIONAL, INC.       LIMAGRAIN GENETICS CORP.

/s/ Bruno Carette                     /s/ Emmanuel Rougier
by Bruno Carette, President and COO   by Emmanuel Rougier, President and COO