University of Guelph’s Dr. Alexandra Harlander named Egg Farmers of Canada Research Chair in Poultry Welfare

OTTAWA, February 26, 2026 – Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) and the University of Guelph are pleased to announce that Dr. Alexandra Harlander, professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), has been selected as their next Research Chair in Poultry Welfare. Her appointment—based on her internationally recognized leadership in poultry welfare science—is part of a renewed $1.3 million investment that ensures research at the University of Guelph continues to guide animal care standards and inform management decisions.

“This long-standing commitment from EFC demonstrates how deeply the agri-food sector trusts the research happening at OAC and the University of Guelph,” says John Cranfield, Dean of the OAC. “We are very grateful for this renewed investment and for EFC’s continued partnership in advancing science that strengthens animal welfare, sustainability and the long-term success of Canadian agriculture.”

Dr. Harlander’s research program focuses on understanding laying hen behaviour and movement across different housing systems. Her work has already informed the National Farm Animal Care Council’s Codes of Practice and contributed to industry programs, including a national feather-scoring system, and has been supported in part through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.

“True animal care is shared care. It includes the hens, the farmers and the farm families in every barn across the country. I strive to develop practical, science-based solutions that benefit the birds and the wellbeing of the people who care for them,” says Harlander. “I look forward to working directly with farmers and their birds to address the challenges they face, and I am honoured to be named the EFC Research Chair in Poultry Welfare.”

“Egg farmers are focused on advancing our sector through forward-looking, evidence-based research,” says Roger Pelissero, third generation egg farmer and Chair of EFC. “Partnerships like this are vital in driving new innovation, enhancing poultry health and wellbeing and developing the next generation of experts. Dr. Harlander’s expertise will provide valuable insights and help us improve on already high standards of animal care.”

As a research chair, Dr. Harlander will continue to advance the important work of her predecessor, Dr. Tina Widowski, who served in the position since 2011 and made substantial contributions throughout her tenure. This long-standing partnership between EFC and the University of Guelph underscores the University’s role as a hub for agri-food research that delivers measurable benefits for farmers, animals and Canadians alike.

About EFC

Now in its sixth decade as one of Canada’s leading agriculture organizations, EFC manages the national egg supply and promotes egg consumption while representing the interests of 1,270 regulated egg farmers and egg farm families from coast to coast. Visit eggfarmers.ca for more information.

About the University of Guelph’s OAC

The OAC at the University of Guelph is a global leader in training, knowledge mobilization and research in the areas of agriculture, food, communities and the environment. With a legacy dating back to 1874, OAC is consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions for agriculture and food, including placing 30th globally and 2nd in Canada in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

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Media contact:  

Elissa Zaks
Senior Public Relations Officer, Egg Farmers of Canada
ezaks@eggs.ca
343-777-6433