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By CalFlowers
October 21, 2025 | 3 min to read
CalFlowers has renamed its long-standing AFE scholarship the CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship to honor Frank Biddleās mentorship and industry leadership. The award prioritizes students at accredited California colleges or California residents elsewhere, requires a 3.0+ GPA, commitment to employment in floriculture, and relevant work or internship experience. Biddleās visionary work founding Dos Gringos, FBI Flowers, and Tradewinds Intl. reshaped floral supply chains and inspired the scholarshipās mission.
Alexandria, VAĀ — CalFlowers’ long-standing scholarship through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) 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.
About the Scholarship
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 Frank Biddleās deep commitment to mentorship, education, and the future of floriculture continues to inspire new generations.
Honoring Frank Biddleās Legacy
Frank Biddle was a dynamic leader and visionary whose influence shaped the floral industry for decades. 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. He passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 60.
āFrank was instrumental in championing the establishment of the scholarship while on the CalFlowers Board. He believed in supporting AFE and empowering the next generation. Renaming the fund honors his legacy and continues his impact on our industry,āĀ said Lane DeVries, Executive Director of CalFlowers.Ā
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Frank was a bold and visionary entrepreneur whose influence helped reshape floral commerce across the Americas. 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. You can read more about Frankās life and legacy through theĀ Frank Biddle Memorial Tribute.
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CalFlowers is one of many industry partners that support the Endowment in continuing our vital programs. AFE is the industryās leading charitable organization supporting scholarships, internships, and young professional development. AFE knows that for our industry to continue to thrive and grow, we need to foster the next generation. This scholarship supports that goal and honors the memory of an industry leader.
About CalFlowers
Founded in 1941, CalFlowers is a leading national floral trade association dedicated to growing and strengthening the U.S. floral industry. Their membership of over 840 includes floral and agricultural growers and shippers, wholesalers, retailers, and service providers, all working together to support a thriving supply chain.
About the American Floral Endowment
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is the trusted source and catalyst for floriculture advancement through funding innovative research, scholarships, internships, and educational grants that best serve the dynamic needs and demographics of all industry sectors.Ā
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