Speaking at the Royal Welsh Show on 21 July Chairman of CLA Cymru Ant Griffith said it was vital that the new devolution settlement empowered Wales, rather than simply handed down lots of new powers.
He spoke as CLA published figures estimating the size of the contribution of rural business to the welsh economy.
CLA figures state that in 2015 there are more than 74,000 rural businesses contributing more than 440,000 jobs and in excess in £13 billion to the Welsh economy.
Mr Griffith said: “Our plea is for a devolution settlement that empowers Wales, rather than just giving it more powers.
“Simply devolving new powers will not in itself bring about benefits to the rural economy and rural communities. And we run the risk that by not getting it right, by not taking a long-term view, rural businesses will be disadvantaged.
“We urge all political parties seeking election in 2016 to pledge to use their powers wisely.”
The St David’s Day agreement and the prospect of another Wales Bill will bring further powers to Cardiff, so the need for clarity and pragmatic legislation and policies that work for Wales is now more important than ever.
He added: “Farmers, landowners and businesses need the confidence in the Assembly to invest; to train staff, take on apprenticeships, and expand their business. This relies on being able to plan for not just this year or next, but for the years and decades ahead. The prospect of the Assembly Government putting in place rules, regulations and additional bureaucracy stands in the way of this.”
