The scheme was initiated by Federated Farmers, with support from the beekeeping industry. Mr Little said the greatest value of the programme "will be in determining the best plants to provide nutrition for bees in the periods of pollen shortage either side of the main summer honey season".
He said the project was beneficial in terms of sustainability and biodiversity.
"It would be difficult to find a more cost-effective agent than a honey bee pollinating. They need our help.
"The honey bee is of great value to New Zealand through the pollination of flowers in both urban and rural areas."
The arrival of the varroa mite and other diseases have wiped out feral colonies of honey bees and beekeepers faced considerable cost in treating their managed hives.
"Some have given up and the introduction of bee hives is generally limited to commercial crops which can cover the costs," he said.
"This has serious implications for pollination in both urban and rural areas."