I predict a riot
Personally, I can think of no greater threat to the country than being unable to feed half the population. This threat is at least as great as the threat of energy scarcity. Such matters of literal life and death cannot be solved by dialogue alone. Frankly, I would rather see a peaceful popular revolt than the consequences of the country going hungry. However, I fear the only way policymakers are going to take notice is if something far more sinister and violent happens. A couple of people congratulated me on my question afterwards. It is time to wake up and smell the coffee (fair trade and organic, naturally).