A group of four Senators, two Democrats and two Republicans, is pushing for a bill that would consolidate several agricultural subsidy plans, according to Businessweek.

Congressional agricultural committees are pledged to reduce spending by cutting $23 billion before November, and the Senators have indicated this proposal would cut $19.8 billion over 10 years, bringing them closer to their goal.

The proposed bill would replace the subsidy programs with a revenue-protection initiative protecting farmers against shallow losses and secure them financially against long-term price declines or weather disasters.

"This is designed to assist producers only when they need it," National Corn Growers Association senior policy director Sam Willett said of the proposed new program.

Subsidies go to farmers regardless of price, which makes them a target for budget cuts.

One farm policy analyst told the news source she was skeptical of the measure's appropriateness, indicating it seems to assume commodity prices will remain high.

According to Willett, the measure may provide a safety net for the nation's most important crops, representing a way to meet consumer needs in the current budget environment.