While there they met up with other farm leaders from across of Europe, all of whom have great concerns about the distinct possibility of EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson signing up to a formal world trade deal in about six weeks' time.
"This is a very serious issue," Kenneth Sharkey told Farming Life.
"Peter Mandelson must act to secure the interests of European agriculture. The current proposals, if ratified, will wreak havoc on the prospects for farming in Northern Ireland."
The Union president went on to point out that if Peter Mandelson accepts the deal that is on the table, approximately 500,000 tonnes of steak meat will be imported into the EU on an annual basis.
"This means that one in every two steaks eaten in Europe will come from countries outside the EU. The impact of such imports on our local redmeat sector will be traumatic," confirmed Kenneth Sharkey.
"The Union is very aware of the emphasis being placed by the WTO on meeting the needs of developing countries. Europe has an excellent track record in this regard.
"At the present time the 50 poorest countries in the world are allowed tariff free access to EU markets. And we want to build on this.
"But thre is no reason why the prospects for European agriculture should be destroyed in the process. And this is the key message we want to impress on Peter Mandelson."
Kenneth Sharkey also confirmed that he will head up a Union deputation due to take part in an IFA-co-ordinated farmer protest outside Dublin Castle next Thursday. The event has been timed to coincide with next Thursday's visit by EU Commission president José Manuel Barroso to Dublin
"The Union will use every opportunity to highlight farmers' concerns regarding the dangers of a WTO deal," concluded Kenneth Sharkey.
"We will also be in contact with farm commission Mariann Fischer Boel, as she has a very important role to play in formulating EU trade policy."