News
Honoring Frank Biddle Through the CalFlowers Scholarship
October 16, 2025
We are proud to share that one of our long-standing scholarships has been renamed to honor Frank Biddle, an extraordinary leader, mentor, and friend to many in our industry.
Since 2017, the CalFlowers Scholarship has supported students with a passion for the floral industry. Today, it carries a new name, the CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship, ensuring Frank’s legacy of mentorship and innovation continues to inspire the next generation.
Investing in Future Leaders
This scholarship provides critical support to undergraduate students pursuing higher education and a career in floriculture. While priority is given to students attending accredited colleges and universities in California, California residents enrolled elsewhere in the U.S. are also considered.
Applicants don’t have to major in agriculture, but they do need to demonstrate a clear commitment to entering the floral industry after graduation. For those outside agricultural programs, a work history or meaningful internship in floriculture is required, and recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Frank himself was a champion of education and mentorship, always encouraging young professionals to grow and thrive. This scholarship ensures his passion lives on through every student it supports.
A Lasting Legacy
Frank Biddle was much more than an entrepreneur—he was a visionary whose ideas transformed the way flowers move from farms to customers. As founder of Dos Gringos, Francis Biddle International (FBI Flowers), and Tradewinds Intl., Frank reshaped supply chains across the Americas, making fresh blooms more accessible than ever before.
He was also a beloved leader within CalFlowers, serving as a past President and longtime Board member. His entrepreneurial spirit, generosity, and relentless drive left an indelible mark not only on CalFlowers but on the entire floral industry. Frank passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 60, but his influence continues to ripple across the industry he helped shape.
As Lane DeVries, Executive Director of CalFlowers, shared:
“Frank 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.”
Continuing His Impact
Through the CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship, Frank’s legacy will support students who, like him, bring bold ideas and tireless energy to our field. It’s a reminder that one person’s vision and generosity can create opportunities for countless others.
We are deeply grateful to CalFlowers and to all of our partners who support scholarships, internships, and young professional development. Together, we ensure that our industry continues to flourish and that leaders like Frank inspire generations to come.
