American Floral Endowment CalFlowers scholarship renamed to honor Frank Biddle – gardencentermag.com
The scholarship, which was originally established in 2017, will now be known as the CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship.
Posted by Emily Mills, Digital Editor
CalFlowers’ long-standing scholarship through the American Floral Endowment is being renamed to celebrate the life and legacy of one of its most influential members.
The scholarship, which was originally established in 2017, will now be known as the CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship.
Biddle passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 60.
"Frank was instrumental in championing the establishment of the scholarship while on the CalFlowers board," said Lane DeVries, executive director of CalFlowers. "He believed in supporting AFE and empowering the next generation. Renaming the fund honors his legacy and continues his impact on our industry."
Founded in 1941, CalFlowers is a national floral trade association with membership of more than 840 floral and agricultural growers and shippers, wholesalers, retailers and service providers.
The CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing higher education while demonstrating a clear passion for the floral industry. Scholarship eligibility gives first priority to students attending an accredited California college or university, with consideration also given to undergraduate California residents attending accredited institutions elsewhere in the U.S.
While students are not required to major in an agricultural program, applicants must show a commitment to seeking employment in the floriculture industry after graduation. A work history or meaningful internship experience in floriculture is required for applicants not pursuing an agricultural degree. Additional criteria include maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
This scholarship ensures that Biddle’s deep commitment to mentorship, education and the future of floriculture continues to inspire new generations, AFE said in a news release.
"Frank Biddle was a dynamic leader and visionary whose influence shaped the floral industry for decades," AFE said in the release. "He was the founder of Dos Gringos, Francis Biddle International (FBI Flowers) and Tradewinds Intl. A pillar of the CalFlowers community, Frank served as a past president and longtime board member. His entrepreneurial spirit, innovative leadership and tireless dedication left an enduring mark not only on CalFlowers but across the entire floral industry.
"Frank was a bold and visionary entrepreneur whose influence helped reshape floral commerce across the Americas," AFE continued in the release. "His foresight in streamlining logistics and shortening the supply chain between South American farms and U.S. buyers revolutionized how flowers from Colombia and Ecuador made it to market. That impact is still felt across the floral sector today."
Read more about Biddle’s life and legacy on the digital Frank Biddle Memorial Tribute.
