The Brussels COPA meeting was attended by 700 delegates.
Graham Furey said: "The future of the CAP, particularly after 2013 is being considered in Brussels and it is very important that Northern Ireland agriculture is represented in this debate.
"The UFU is very much involved in the current CAP Health Check discussions and we are also contributing to the debate on CAP after 2013. Central to our thinking is maintaining the viability of family farms across Northern Ireland."
At the COPA congress, EU Farm Commissioner Marianne Fischer-Boel highlighted several particular areas where she agrees with the message coming from EU farming unions including the UFU.
o The importance of productivity, competitiveness and a well-functioning market.
o The vital role of quality in the future success of European farming.
o Acknowledging the essential work that farmers must do in looking after the land
The Commissioner also made some interesting comments on production standards observed outside the European Union, an issue which the UFU has repeatedly highlighted, seeking an end to double standards.
The Commissioner stated; "Any agricultural imports coming into the EU must obey our food safety rules.
"This is non-negotiable. The latest example here is our ban on Chinese products containing milk.
"I often hear comments that overseas suppliers should also match our standards in the areas of environmental care, animal welfare or social standards. Otherwise European farmers are at a cost disadvantage.
"Of course, it would be good news for us if more producers in the world observed all the standards that we do. But unfortunately, to make this ideal a reality, we're going to have to roll a very heavy rock up a very steep hill.
"We've tried extremely hard in the Doha Round to make 'non-trade concerns' a part of any new agricultural trade agreement, but the resistance has been fierce. So for the time being, we have no legal powers to insist that agricultural imports were produced according to our environmental and animal welfare standards.
"We'll keep arguing our case on this issue, but don't expect the problem to solve itself tomorrow.
"That's why I still see the Single Payment Scheme as a part of our future policy, but certainly targeted in a different way than today."