DEL MAR, Calif. -- Visitors to the San Diego County Fair Friday will have a chance to meet with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Schafer, Fair officials said Thursday.

Schafer will be at the Fair at 1 p.m. Friday, June 20. He's expected to make a public address at Livestock Ring 1, which is located between AgriFair and the Livestock Barn.

According to Fair officials, the Ag Secretary plans to discuss the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's role in food safety assurance.

He also plans to discuss the decreasing number of students studying science, engineering and technology. He will address the FFA, 4-H and Grange members on career options in agriculture, science for the U.S. and specifically with the USDA, Fair officials said.

The San Diego County Fair is the largest annual event in San Diego County and the fifth largest fair in the United States, drawing more than 1.2 million visitors each year.